EP3812666A1 - Transport climate control system with auxiliary cooling - Google Patents
Transport climate control system with auxiliary cooling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3812666A1 EP3812666A1 EP20203153.0A EP20203153A EP3812666A1 EP 3812666 A1 EP3812666 A1 EP 3812666A1 EP 20203153 A EP20203153 A EP 20203153A EP 3812666 A1 EP3812666 A1 EP 3812666A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- chiller
- evaporator
- main
- climate
- climate control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B5/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity
- F25B5/02—Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00007—Combined heating, ventilating, or cooling devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/30—Expansion means; Dispositions thereof
- F25B41/31—Expansion valves
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
- B60H1/3228—Cooling devices using compression characterised by refrigerant circuit configurations
- B60H1/32284—Cooling devices using compression characterised by refrigerant circuit configurations comprising two or more secondary circuits, e.g. at evaporator and condenser side
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
- B60H1/323—Cooling devices using compression characterised by comprising auxiliary or multiple systems, e.g. plurality of evaporators, or by involving auxiliary cooling devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/32—Cooling devices
- B60H1/3204—Cooling devices using compression
- B60H1/3232—Cooling devices using compression particularly adapted for load transporting vehicles
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B13/00—Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B25/00—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00
- F25B25/005—Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups F25B1/00 - F25B23/00 using primary and secondary systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
- F25B41/22—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves between evaporator and compressor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B41/00—Fluid-circulation arrangements
- F25B41/20—Disposition of valves, e.g. of on-off valves or flow control valves
- F25B41/24—Arrangement of shut-off valves for disconnecting a part of the refrigerant cycle, e.g. an outdoor part
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25B49/02—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/003—Transport containers
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/02—Compressor control
- F25B2600/025—Compressor control by controlling speed
- F25B2600/0253—Compressor control by controlling speed with variable speed
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/21—Refrigerant outlet evaporator temperature
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2513—Expansion valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2515—Flow valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2600/00—Control issues
- F25B2600/25—Control of valves
- F25B2600/2519—On-off valves
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/19—Pressures
- F25B2700/193—Pressures of the compressor
- F25B2700/1933—Suction pressures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/19—Pressures
- F25B2700/197—Pressures of the evaporator
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/21—Temperatures
- F25B2700/2115—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor
- F25B2700/21151—Temperatures of a compressor or the drive means therefor at the suction side of the compressor
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/21—Temperatures
- F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
- F25B2700/21171—Temperatures of an evaporator of the fluid cooled by the evaporator
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/21—Temperatures
- F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
- F25B2700/21171—Temperatures of an evaporator of the fluid cooled by the evaporator
- F25B2700/21172—Temperatures of an evaporator of the fluid cooled by the evaporator at the inlet
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/21—Temperatures
- F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
- F25B2700/21171—Temperatures of an evaporator of the fluid cooled by the evaporator
- F25B2700/21173—Temperatures of an evaporator of the fluid cooled by the evaporator at the outlet
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
- F25B2700/21—Temperatures
- F25B2700/2117—Temperatures of an evaporator
- F25B2700/21175—Temperatures of an evaporator of the refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator
Definitions
- This disclosure generally relates to transport climate control systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators.
- a transport climate control system is generally used to control an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, and the like) within a transport unit (e.g., a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a box car, or other similar transport unit).
- a transport unit e.g., a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a box car, or other similar transport unit).
- a climate controlled transport unit is commonly used to transport perishable items such as produce, frozen foods, and meat products.
- a climate controlled transport units are also used to transport passengers between locations.
- the transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit that is attached to the transport unit to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) of a particular space (e.g., a cargo space, a passenger space, etc.) (generally referred to as an "internal space").
- the CCU can include, without limitation, a climate control circuit with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and fans and/or blowers to control a heat exchange between air inside the internal space and the ambient air outside of the climate controlled transport unit.
- the embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators.
- Transport units can have a climate controlled space for cargo or passengers that is provided climate control (e.g., heated, cooled, etc.) by a transport climate control system.
- the transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit can also include electrical components (e.g., a battery, an inverter, etc.).
- An electric component can generate heat during operation that causes said electric component to operate inefficiently or become damaged.
- a battery charging system and/or power supplying electronics may generate significant heat during use.
- a battery in a transport unit can generate substantial heat when being charged and discharged, and/or static converter can generate substantial heat when converting power. The heat can significantly impact the efficiency of the battery and/or damage the battery.
- the transport unit or the tractor that tows the transport unit may include an operating compartment for an operator of the transport unit or the tractor. climate control of the operating space may be desirable.
- the disclosed embodiments are capable of providing climate control to the climate controlled space and auxiliary cooling for electrical component(s) and/or secondary space(s).
- Disclosed embodiments can selectively provide the climate control for the climate controlled space, for the auxiliary cooling, and for both the climate controlled space and the auxiliary cooling.
- the disclosed embodiments provide adjustable capacity control between multiple evaporators by controlling, for example, an evaporator working fluid and/or an evaporator working fluid pressure passing through a refrigeration circuit having the multiple evaporators.
- a transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit includes a climate controlled space.
- the transport climate control system includes a main heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit.
- the main heat transfer circuit includes a compressor to compress a working fluid, a condenser, a main expansion valve, a main evaporator, a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV), and a chiller evaporator.
- the compressor is configured to compress a working fluid and the condenser is configured to cool the compressed working fluid with a first process fluid.
- the main expansion valve and the chiller EEV are located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser and are configured to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser.
- the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator are located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser.
- the main evaporator is configured to receive the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve to cool a second process fluid as the working fluid flows through the main evaporator. It may be said that the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve flows to and through the main evaporator and is configured to cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator.
- the second process fluid is for cooling the climate controlled space.
- the second process fluid is configured to cool the climate controlled space, or that the transport climate control system is configured to cool the climate controlled space using the second process fluid.
- the working fluid expanded by the chiller expansion valve flows to and through the chiller evaporator and cools a third process fluid in the chiller evaporator.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit includes the chiller evaporator.
- the chiller evaporator is configured to cool the third process fluid which is for flowing through the chiller heat transfer circuit and providing auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system. It may be said that the third process fluid is configured to flow through the chiller heat transfer circuit and to provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system.
- the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve and the heat transfer circuit includes an electronic pressure regulator downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor.
- the main expansion valve is an electronic expansion valve (EEV) that is adjustable to control a flow rate of the working fluid through the main EEV.
- EEV electronic expansion valve
- a method of operating a transport climate control system for a climate control includes, determining a climate control demand for a main heat transfer circuit and determining a climate control demand for a chiller heat transfer circuit.
- the climate control system includes the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- the main heat transfer circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit includes the chiller evaporator.
- the method includes operating in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) and chiller mode when both the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit have a respective climate control demand.
- HVACR and chiller mode includes directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator.
- the main evaporator cools a process fluid for cooling the climate controlled space.
- the chiller evaporator cools different process fluid for providing auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system.
- the method includes operating in the HVACR mode when only the main heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand.
- Operating in the HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the main evaporator and the chiller EEV blocking flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator.
- the method includes operating in a chiller mode when only the chiller heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand.
- Operating in the chiller mode includes directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator and blocking the flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator.
- the embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators.
- Different types of goods/cargo may need to be stored at specific environmental condition(s) while being stored within a transport unit.
- perishable goods may need to be stored within a specific temperature range to prevent spoilage and liquid goods may need to be kept at a temperature above their freezing point.
- goods having electronic components may need to be kept in environmental conditions with a lower moisture content to avoid damage to their electronic components.
- Passengers traveling in the transport unit may need to be kept in a climate controlled space with specific environmental condition(s) to ensure their comfort while traveling.
- the climate controlled space containing the passengers should be at a temperature that is generally comfortable for passengers.
- a transport climate control system may blow conditioned air into the climate controlled space of the transport unit to keep the air within the climate controlled space at the desired environmental conditions.
- a transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit may have electronic component(s) that are temperature sensitive and/or generate significant heat while operating.
- a transport unit may include a battery that generates significant heat when being discharged and/or charged.
- a transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit may have an operator space for an operator that operates the transport unit and/or tractor.
- a climate control circuit that includes a main heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit.
- the main heat transfer circuit includes a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator that are located in parallel to each other.
- the main heat transfer circuit can be configured to provide climate control to a climate controlled space of the transport unit that can store, for example, goods or passengers.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit includes the chiller evaporator and can be configured to provide auxiliary climate control that can provide climate control, independent of the main heat transfer circuit, to provide climate control to an electrical component(s) (e.g., a battery), or an operator space separate from the climate controlled space.
- the climate control circuit can advantageously distribute cooling capacity to the climate controlled space and the auxiliary climate control, direct its capacity to only main heat transfer circuit, or direct its capacity to only the auxiliary climate control by controlling the pressure in the evaporators and/or the flow of working fluid through each of the evaporators.
- FIG 1A illustrates one embodiment of a climate-controlled van 100 that includes a climate controlled space 105 for carrying cargo and a transport climate control system 110 for providing climate control within the climate controlled space 105.
- the transport climate control system 110 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 115 that is mounted to a rooftop 120 of the van 100.
- the transport climate control system 110 can include, amongst other components, a climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, evaporator(s) and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate controlled space 105.
- the climate-controlled van 100 may include a second climate controlled space 107.
- the second climate controlled space 107 may be an operator compartment of the climate-controlled van 100 (e.g., a cabin, etc.).
- the second climate controlled space 107 accommodates an operator when operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the climate-controlled van 100.
- the transport climate control system 110 can be configured to also provide climate control to the second climate controlled space 107.
- the climate-controlled van 100 may include a battery 109 that is a power source for operating the climate-controlled van 100 and/or for the transport climate control system 110.
- the climate-controlled van 100 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source.
- the climate-controlled van 100 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine.
- the transport climate control system 110 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of the climate-controlled van 100 for power.
- the battery 109 in Figure 1A is located outside the CCU 115. However, it should be appreciated that the battery 109 in an embodiment may be located in the CCU 115 and configured to supply power for operating the transport climate control system 110.
- the transport climate control system 110 can be configured to provide climate control to the battery 109.
- climate-controlled vans can apply to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit), etc.
- transport unit e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit), etc.
- the transport climate control system 110 also includes a programmable climate controller 125 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 110 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the van 100, an ambient humidity outside of the van 100, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 115 into the climate controlled space 105, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space 105 back to the CCU 115, a humidity within the climate controlled space 105, a temperature of the battery 109, a temperature of the second climate controlled space 107, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 125.
- parameters of the transport climate control system 110 e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the van 100, an ambient humidity outside of the van 100, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 115 into the climate controlled space 105, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space 105
- the climate controller 125 is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system 110 including the components of the climate control circuit.
- the climate controller 115 may comprise a single integrated control unit 126 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 126, 127. The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein.
- FIG 1B illustrates one embodiment of a climate-controlled straight truck 130 that includes a climate controlled space 131 for carrying cargo and a transport climate control system 132.
- the transport climate control system 132 includes a CCU 133 that is mounted to a front wall 134 of the climate controlled space 131.
- the CCU 133 can include, amongst other components, a climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate controlled space 131.
- the climate-controlled straight truck 130 may include a second climate controlled space 138.
- the second climate controlled space 138 may be an operator compartment of the climate-controlled straight truck 130 (e.g., a cabin, etc.).
- the second climate controlled space 144 may accommodate an operator of the climate-controlled straight truck 130 when operating the climate-controlled straight truck 130 (e.g., driving, etc.).
- the transport climate control system 132 can be configured to provide climate control to the second climate controlled space 138.
- the climate-controlled straight truck 130 may include a battery 139 that is a power source for operating climate-controlled straight truck 130 and/or for the transport climate control system 132.
- the climate-controlled straight truck 130 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source.
- the climate-controlled straight truck 130 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine.
- the transport climate control system 132 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of the climate-controlled straight truck 130 for power.
- the battery 139 in Figure 1B is located outside the CCU 133. However, it should be appreciated that the battery 139 in an embodiment may be located in the CCU 133 and configured to supply power to the transport climate control system 132. In an embodiment, the transport climate control system 132 can be configured to provide climate control to the battery 139.
- the transport climate control system 132 also includes a programmable climate controller 135 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 132 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the truck 130, an ambient humidity outside of the truck 130, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 133 into the climate controlled space 131, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space 131 back to the CCU 133, a humidity within the climate controlled space 131, a temperature of the battery 139, a temperature of the second climate controlled space 138, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 135.
- parameters of the transport climate control system 132 e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the truck 130, an ambient humidity outside of the truck 130, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 133 into the climate controlled space 131, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space
- the climate controller 135 is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system 132 including components of the climate control circuit.
- the climate controller 135 may comprise a single integrated control unit 136 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 136, 137. The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein.
- FIG. 1C illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit 140 attached to a tractor 142.
- the climate controlled transport unit 140 includes a transport climate control system 145 for a transport unit 150.
- the tractor 142 is attached to and is configured to tow the transport unit 150.
- the transport unit 150 shown in Fig. 1C is a trailer.
- the transport climate control system 145 includes a CCU 152 that provides environmental control (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlled space 154 of the transport unit 150.
- the CCU 152 is disposed on a front wall 157 of the transport unit 150. In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the CCU 152 can be disposed, for example, on a rooftop or another wall of the transport unit 150.
- the CCU 152 includes a climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate controlled space 154.
- the tractor 142 may include a second climate controlled space 144.
- the second climate controlled space 144 may be an operator compartment of the tractor 142 (e.g., a cabin, etc.).
- the second climate controlled space 144 may accommodate an operator of the tractor 142 when operating the tractor 142 (e.g., driving, etc.).
- the transport climate control system 145 can be configured to provide climate control to the second climate controlled space 144.
- the tractor 142 may include a battery 139 that is a power source for operating the tractor 142 and/or for the transport climate control system 145.
- the tractor 142 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source.
- the tractor 142 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine.
- the climate controlled transport unit 140 may include a battery 153 that is a power source for the transport climate control system 145.
- the transport climate control system 145 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of climate controlled transport unit 140 or the tractor 142 for power.
- the battery 153 in Figure 1C is located within the CCU 152. However, it should be appreciated the battery 153 in an embodiment may be located outside of the CCU 152. In such an embodiment, the battery 153 may be, for example, attached to the underside of the climate controlled transport unit 150.
- the transport climate control system 145 can be configured to provide climate control to the battery 146 and/or the battery 153.
- the transport climate control system 145 also includes a programmable climate controller 156 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 145 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit 150, an ambient humidity outside of the transport unit 150, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 152 into the climate controlled space 154, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space 154 back to the CCU 152, a humidity within the climate controlled space 154, a temperature of the battery 146, a temperature of the battery 153, a temperature of the second climate controlled space 144, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 156.
- parameters of the transport climate control system 145 e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit 150, an ambient humidity outside of the transport unit 150, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by the CCU 152 into the climate controlled space 154
- the climate controller 156 is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system 145 including components of the climate control circuit.
- the climate controller 156 may comprise a single integrated control unit 158 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 158, 159. The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein.
- FIG. 1D illustrates another embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit 160.
- the climate controlled transport unit 160 includes a multi-zone transport climate control system (MTCS) 162 for a transport unit 164 that can be towed, for example, by a tractor (e.g., the tractor 142 in Figure 1C ).
- MTCS multi-zone transport climate control system
- a transport unit 164 that can be towed, for example, by a tractor (e.g., the tractor 142 in Figure 1C ).
- a tractor e.g., the tractor 142 in Figure 1C
- the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but can apply to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit), etc.
- the MTCS 162 includes a CCU 166 and a plurality of remote units 168 that provide environmental control (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlled space 170 of the transport unit 164.
- the climate controlled space 170 can be divided into a plurality of zones 172.
- the term "zone" means a part of an area of the climate controlled space 170 separated by walls 174.
- the CCU 166 can operate as a host unit and provide climate control within a first zone 172a of the climate controlled space 170.
- the remote unit 168a can provide climate control within a second zone 172b of the climate controlled space 170.
- the remote unit 168b can provide climate control within a third zone 172c of the climate controlled space 170. Accordingly, the MTCS 162 can be used to separately and independently control environmental condition(s) within each of the multiple zones 172 of the climate controlled space 170.
- the CCU 166 is disposed on a front wall 167 of the transport unit 160. In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the CCU 166 can be disposed, for example, on a rooftop or another wall of the transport unit 160.
- the CCU 166 includes a climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate controlled space 170.
- the remote unit 168a is disposed on a ceiling 179 within the second zone 172b and the remote unit 168b is disposed on the ceiling 179 within the third zone 172c.
- Each of the remote units 168a,b include an evaporator (not shown) that connects to the rest of the climate control circuit provided in the CCU 166.
- the climate controlled transport unit 160 may include a battery 165 that is a power source for the MTCS 162.
- the CCU 166 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source.
- the MTCS 162 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of the climate controlled transport unit 162 or the tractor for power.
- the battery 165 in Figure 1D is part of the MTCS 162. However, it should be appreciated that the battery 165 in an embodiment may be located outside of the MTCS 162. In such an embodiment, the battery 165 may be, for example, attached to the underside of the climate controlled transport unit 160.
- the MTCS 162 can be configured to provide climate control to the battery 162, a second climate controlled space in the tractor that tows the climate controlled transport unit 160 (e.g., second climate controlled space 144), and/or a battery of the tractor (e.g., battery 146), etc.
- the MTCS 162 also includes a programmable climate controller 180 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the MTCS 162 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit 164, an ambient humidity outside of the transport unit 164, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperatures of air supplied by the CCU 166 and the remote units 168 into each of the zones 172, return air temperatures of air returned from each of the zones 172 back to the respective CCU 166 or remote unit 168a or 168b, a humidity within each of the zones 118, a temperature of the battery 146, a temperature of a battery of the tractor, a temperature of the second climate controlled space in the tractor, etc.) and communicate parameter data to a climate controller 180.
- a climate controller 180 e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the transport unit 164, an ambient humidity outside of the transport unit 164, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperatures of air supplied by the
- the climate controller 180 is configured to control operation of the MTCS 162 including components of the climate control circuit.
- the climate controller 180 may comprise a single integrated control unit 181 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 181, 182. The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein.
- FIG. 1E is a perspective view of a vehicle 185 including a transport climate control system 187, according to one embodiment.
- the vehicle 185 is a mass-transit bus that can carry passenger(s) (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, the vehicle 185 can be a school bus, railway vehicle, subway car, or other commercial vehicle that carries passengers.
- the vehicle 185 includes a climate controlled space (e.g., passenger compartment) 189 supported that can accommodate a plurality of passengers.
- the vehicle 185 includes doors 190 that are positioned on a side of the vehicle 185. In the embodiment shown in Fig.
- a first door 190 is located adjacent to a forward end of the vehicle 185, and a second door 190 is positioned towards a rearward end of the vehicle 185.
- Each door 190 is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the climate controlled space 189.
- the transport climate control system 187 includes a CCU 192 attached to a roof 194 of the vehicle 185.
- the CCU 170 includes a climate control circuit (see Figure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate controlled space 189.
- a climate control circuit see Figure 2
- the vehicle 185 may include a battery 198 that is a power source for operating the vehicle 185 and/or for the transport climate control system 187.
- the vehicle 185 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source.
- the vehicle 185 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine.
- the transport climate control system 187 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of the vehicle 185 for power.
- the battery 198 in Figure 1E is located outside the CCU 192. However, it should be appreciated that the battery 198 in an embodiment may be located in the CCU 192 and configured to supply power to the transport climate control system 187.
- the transport climate control system 187 can be configured to provide climate control to the battery 198.
- the transport climate control system 187 also includes a programmable climate controller 195 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 187 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of the vehicle 185, a space temperature within the climate controlled space 189, an ambient humidity outside of the vehicle 185, a space humidity within the climate controlled space 189, a temperature of the battery 198, etc.) and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 195.
- the climate controller 195 is configured to control operation of the transport climate control system 187 including components of the climate control circuit.
- the climate controller 195 may comprise a single integrated control unit 196 or may comprise a distributed network of climate controller elements 196, 197. The number of distributed control elements in a given network can depend upon the particular application of the principles described herein.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a climate control circuit 200.
- the climate control circuit 200 is utilized to control an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) in a climate controlled space of a transport unit.
- the climate control circuit 200 may be utilized in a transport climate control system (e.g., transport climate control system 110, transport climate control system 132, transport climate control system 145, multi-zone transport climate control system 162, the transport climate control system 187, etc.).
- a transport climate control system e.g., transport climate control system 110, transport climate control system 132, transport climate control system 145, multi-zone transport climate control system 162, the transport climate control system 187, etc.
- the climate control circuit 200 includes a main heat transfer circuit 202 and a chiller heat transfer circuit 204.
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes a compressor 210, a condenser 220, a main expansion valve 230, a main evaporator 240, a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) 250, a chiller evaporator 260, and a programmable climate controller 290.
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 in an embodiment may also include an optional solenoid valve 270 and/or an optional electronic pressure regulator (EPR) valve 280.
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 can be modified to include additional components, such as, for example, an economizer heat exchanger, one or more additional valve(s), sensor(s) (e.g., a flow sensor, a temperature sensor), a receiver tank, a filter drier, or the like.
- additional components such as, for example, an economizer heat exchanger, one or more additional valve(s), sensor(s) (e.g., a flow sensor, a temperature sensor), a receiver tank, a filter drier, or the like.
- the components of the main heat transfer circuit 202 are fluidly connected. Dotted lines are provided in Figure 2 to indicate fluid flows various components (e.g., condenser 220, main evaporator 240, chiller evaporator 260) for clarity, and should be understood as not specifying a particular route within each component. Dashed lines are provided to illustrate optional components. Dashed dotted lines are provided in the Figures to illustrate electronic communications between different components. For example, a dashed dotted line extends from the climate controller 290 to the compressor 210 as the climate controller 290 is configured to control the compressor 210.
- the climate controller 290 includes a memory (not shown) for storing information and a processor (not shown).
- the climate controller 290 is a climate controller of a transport climate control system (e.g., climate controller 125, climate controller 135, climate controller 156, climate control 195, etc.).
- the climate controller 290 is shown in Figure 1 as a single integrated control unit. However, it should be appreciate that the climate controller 290 in an embodiment may a single integrated control unit or a distributed network of climate controller elements (e.g., distributed network of climate controller elements 126, 127, distributed network of climate controller elements 136, 137, distributed network of climate controller elements 158, 159, distributed network of climate controller elements 196, 197, etc.).
- a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, a refrigerant mixture, etc.) flows through the main heat transfer circuit 202.
- the compressor 210 includes a suction inlet 212 and a discharge outlet 214.
- Working fluid in a lower pressure gaseous state or mostly gaseous state is drawn into the suction inlet 212 of the compressor 210.
- the working fluid is compressed as it flows through the compressor 210.
- Compressed working fluid is discharged from the discharge outlet 214 of the compressor 210 and flows to the condenser 220.
- the compressor 210 may be a single speed compressor.
- the compressor 210 may be a multispeed compressor. In such an embodiment, the compressor 210 may be, for example, an engine driven multispeed compressor.
- a first process fluid PF 1 flows through the condenser 220 separate from the working fluid.
- the condenser 220 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the first process fluid PF 1 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physically mixing as they each flow through the condenser 220.
- the first process fluid PF 1 absorbs heat from the working fluid and cools the working fluid.
- the first process fluid PF 1 may be air, water and/or glycol, or the like that is suitable for absorbing and transferring heat from the working fluid and the climate control circuit 200.
- the first process fluid PF 1 may be ambient air circulated from an outside atmosphere (e.g., from outside the climate controlled transport unit), water to be heated as hot water, or any suitable fluid for transferring heat from the climate control circuit 200.
- the first process fluid PF 1 is ambient air from an outside atmosphere or an intermediate fluid that transfers heat to ambient air from the outside atmosphere.
- the working fluid is cooled by the condenser 220 and becomes liquid or mostly liquid as it passes through the condenser 220.
- the working fluid flows from the condenser 220 to the main expansion valve 230 and the chiller EEV 250.
- the main expansion valve 230 and the chiller EEV 250 are located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser 220.
- the main expansion valve 230 is downstream of the condenser 220 and upstream of the main evaporator 240.
- Working fluid is supplied to the main evaporator 240 by the main expansion valve 230.
- the chiller EEV 250 is downstream of the condenser 220 and upstream of the chiller evaporator 260.
- Working fluid is supplied to the chiller evaporator 260 by the chiller EEV 250.
- the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260 are located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser 220.
- the working fluid after passing through the condenser 220 splits into multiple parallel streams WF 1 , WF 2 . Operation of the climate control circuit 200 is described in more detail below.
- a first stream of the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 (“first working fluid stream” WFi) travels through the main expansion valve 230 and the main evaporator 240.
- a second stream of the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 (“second working fluid stream” WF 2 ) travels through the chiller EEV 250 and the chiller evaporator 260.
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 may include one or more additional evaporator(s) (not shown) for cooling the climate controlled space (e.g., evaporator(s) in remote unit(s) 168, etc.).
- the additional evaporator(s) may be in parallel with the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator.
- the additional evaporator(s) may include expansion valve(s), pressure regulation valve(s), and/or flow control valve(s) similar to the main evaporator 240.
- the main expansion valve 230 and the chiller EEV 250 each allow the working fluid to expand as it flows through the respective valve.
- the expansion causes the working fluid to significantly decrease in temperature.
- the lower temperature gaseous/liquid working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve 230 and the chiller EEV 250 then flows to the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260.
- the working fluid in the first working fluid stream WF 1 is expanded by the main expansion valve 230 and flows from the main expansion valve 230 to the main evaporator 240.
- the lower temperature gaseous/liquid working fluid flows from the main expansion valve 230 to and through the main evaporator 240.
- a second process fluid PF 2 also flows through the main evaporator 240 separately from the working fluid.
- the main evaporator 240 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the second process fluid PF 2 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physically mixing as they each flow through the main evaporator 250.
- the working fluid and the second process fluid PF 2 flow through the main evaporator 250, the working fluid absorbs heat from the second process fluid PF 2 which cools the second process fluid PF 2 .
- the second process fluid PF 2 exits the main evaporator 250 at a lower temperature than it entered the main evaporator 250.
- the working fluid is gaseous or mostly gaseous as it exits the main evaporator 250.
- the working fluid and the second process fluid PF 2 flow through the main evaporator 250 in a counter-flow.
- the working fluid and the second process fluid PF 2 may flow through the main evaporator 250 in a parallel flow.
- the second process fluid PF 2 is configured to cool a climate controlled space (e.g., climate controlled space 105, climate controlled space 131, climate controlled space 154, climate controlled space 170, climate controlled space 189).
- the second process fluid PF 2 may be configured to cool the climate controlled space directly or indirectly.
- the second process fluid PF 2 is air and the cooled second process fluid PF 2 is ventilated to the climate controlled space.
- the second process fluid PF 2 is an intermediate fluid (e.g., water, a water/glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.), and the transport climate control system utilizes the cooled second process fluid PF 2 to cool air ventilated to the climate controlled space or circulates the cooled second process fluid PF 2 through the climate controlled space providing the cooling in the climate controlled space.
- an intermediate fluid e.g., water, a water/glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.
- the working fluid in the second working fluid stream WF 2 is expanded by the chiller EEV 250 and flows from the chiller EEV 250 to and through the chiller evaporator 260.
- a third process fluid PF 3 also flows through the chiller evaporator 260 separately from the working fluid.
- the chiller evaporator 260 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the third process fluid PF 3 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physically mixing as they each flow through the chiller evaporator 260. As the working fluid and the third process fluid PF 3 flow through the chiller evaporator 260, the working fluid absorbs heat from the third process fluid PF 3 which cools the third process fluid PF 3 .
- the third process fluid PF 3 exits the chiller evaporator 260 at a lower temperature than it entered the chiller evaporator 260.
- the working fluid is gaseous or mostly gaseous as it exits the chiller evaporator 260.
- the working fluid and the third process fluid PF 3 flow through the chiller evaporator 260 in a counter-flow.
- the working fluid and the third process fluid PF 3 may flow through the chiller evaporator 260 in a parallel flow.
- the working fluid exiting the main evaporator 240 flows from the main evaporator 240 to the suction inlet 212 of the compressor 210.
- the working fluid exiting the chiller evaporator 260 flows from the chiller evaporator 260 to the suction inlet 212 of the compressor 210.
- the first working fluid stream WF 1 and the second working fluid stream WF 2 converge upstream of the compressor 210.
- the working fluid flowing from the main evaporator 240 mixes with the working fluid flowing from the chiller evaporator 260 and flows into the suction inlet 212 of the compressor 210.
- the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes the solenoid valve 270 and the EPR valve 280.
- the compressor 210 may also be a variable speed compressor.
- the TX valve is configured to regulate a flow f 1 of working fluid into the main evaporator 240 such that a superheat of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator 240 is at or about constant.
- the solenoid valve 270 can be closed to stop flow of the working fluid through the main TX valve 230 and the main evaporator 240.
- the EPR valve 280 is configured to regulate the pressure of the working fluid passing through the EPR valve 280.
- the EPR valve 280 is configured to allow only working fluid with at least a specific pressure to pass through. Operation of the variable speed compressor 210, solenoid valve 270, and the EPR valve 280 in an embodiment of the climate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below.
- the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV).
- the climate control circuit 200 includes the main EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250.
- the climate control circuit 200 may not include the optional solenoid valve 270 and/or the optional EPR valve 280. Operation of the main EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250 in an embodiment of the climate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 includes the chiller evaporator 260.
- the third process fluid PF 3 is configured to provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system.
- the auxiliary cooling is for cooling component(s) and/or climate controlled space(s) different than the climate controlled space conditioned by the second process fluid PF 2 .
- the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 is configured to provide climate control (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.) to an electronics component 206 in the transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit.
- the auxiliary cooling provided by the third process fluid PF 3 is for cooling at least the electronic component 206.
- the third process fluid PF3 cools an intermediate fluid (e.g., air, water, a water/glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.) that flows along and cools the electronic component 206.
- an intermediate fluid e.g., air, water, a water/glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.
- the electronic component 206 is a battery (e.g., battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198, etc.).
- the battery may be in the form of a single unit. However, it should be appreciated that a battery in an embodiment may be in the form of multiple battery packs.
- the third process fluid PF 3 flows through the battery and/or along a heatsink of the battery.
- the electronic component 206 is component of the electronic charging system that charges at least one battery (e.g., battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198, etc.) in the transport unit and/or a tractor that tows the transport unit.
- the electronic component 206 is a power supply component (e.g., a static converter, etc.) in the transport unit.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 can be modified to include additional components, such as, for example, additional heat exchangers, one or more additional valve(s), sensor(s) (e.g., a flow sensor, a temperature sensor), a receiver tank, or the like.
- additional components such as, for example, additional heat exchangers, one or more additional valve(s), sensor(s) (e.g., a flow sensor, a temperature sensor), a receiver tank, or the like.
- the components of the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 are fluidly connected.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 may include a heater heat exchanger (not shown) that is located in parallel with the chiller evaporator 260.
- the heater heat exchanger configured to utilize a fourth process fluid (not shown) to heat the third process fluid PF 3 when heating of the electronic component 206 is desired.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 configured to have the third process fluid PF 3 bypass the heater heat exchanger when cooling of the electronic component 206 is desired.
- the heat from the electronic component 206 may be transferred to the fourth process fluid (not shown), and the fourth process fluid may be used to heat the second process fluid PF 2 and/or the climate controlled space.
- the transport climate control system operates based on a climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit 202 and a climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit 204.
- the transport climate control system has a plurality of modes.
- the transport climate control system operates the climate control circuit 200 in one of the modes based on the climate control demands of the main heat transfer circuit 202 and the chiller heat transfer circuit 204.
- the climate controller 290 may configure and/or operate components of the main heat transfer circuit 202 so the climate control circuit 200 operates according to an appropriate mode.
- the climate control demands are based on one or more parameters of transport unit or the tractor that tows the transport unit.
- the climate control demands may be based on, for example but not limited to, one of more parameter(s) of the working fluid, the second process fluid PF 2 , the third process fluid PF 3 , the climate controlled space, and/or the electronic component 206.
- the climate control circuit 200 may include, for example but not limited to, one or more of a temperature sensor 292A for detecting a temperature T 1 of the electronic component 206, a chiller outlet sensor 292B for detecting an outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 , a suction temperature sensor 292C for detecting a suction temperature T 3 of the working fluid entering the compressor 210, a suction pressure sensor 292D for detecting a suction inlet pressure P 1 of the working fluid entering the compressor 210, an evaporator outlet temperature sensor 292E for detecting an outlet temperature T 4 of the second process fluid PF 2 , a chiller suction pressure sensor 292F for detecting a outlet pressure P 2 of the working fluid from the chiller evaporator 260, and/or a chiller suction temperature sensor 292G for detecting an outlet temperature T 5 of the working fluid from the chiller evaporator 260.
- a temperature sensor 292A for detecting a temperature T 1 of the electronic component 206
- the climate controller 290 may utilize one or more of the sensors 292A, 292B, 292C, 292D, 292E, 292F, 292G to operate the climate control circuit 300. Connections (e.g., dashed-dotted lines) between the climate controller 290 and the sensors 292A, 292B, 292C, 292D, 292E, 292F, 292G are omitted in Figure 2 for clarity.
- the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 occurs when the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 is to climate control one or more of its components.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 has a climate control demand when the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 is to provide cooling to the electronic component 206.
- the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 has a cooling demand for the electronic component. For example, a cooling demand may occur when the temperature T 1 of the electronic component 206 exceeds a predefined limit.
- the electronic component 206 is based on the efficiently of the electronic component 206 or protecting the electronic component 206 from thermal damage.
- the climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit 204 is a climate control demand for the climate controlled space.
- a climate control demand occurs when the main heat transfer circuit 204 is to provide climate control to the climate controlled space.
- the climate control demand may be a cooling demand for the climate controlled space.
- a cooling demand for the climate controlled space may occur when a difference between the temperature of the climate controlled space and a setpoint temperature exceeds a predetermined amount.
- the transport climate control system can be configured to operate the climate control circuit 200 in a HVACR and chiller mode when both the main heat transfer circuit 202 and the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 have a respective climate control demand.
- the main evaporator 240 cools the second process fluid PF 2 and the chiller evaporator 260 cools the third process fluid PF 3 .
- the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve
- the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes the solenoid valve 270 and the EPR valve 280.
- the chiller EEV 250, the solenoid valve 270, and the EPR valve 280 are at least partially open.
- An electronic expansion valve has an adjustable opening such that the EEV can be adjusted to set a flowrate of through the EEV.
- a "position" of the EEV valve refers to the extent that EEV valve is opened or closed.
- the climate controller 290 may be configured to position the chiller EEV 250 control the flowrate f 1 of the working fluid from the chiller EEV 250 to the chiller evaporator 260.
- a speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is based on a temperature difference between the current temperature of the climate controlled space and the temperature setpoint T 1 .
- the controller 290 of the transport climate control system controls the variable speed compressor 210 to have a speed based on said temperature different, and positions the chiller EEV 250 to have a flowrate f 1 based on an outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 from the chiller evaporator 260.
- increasing the flowrate f 1 of the working fluid through chiller evaporator 260 increases the amount of heat absorbed from the third process fluid PF 3 and reduces the outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 from the chiller evaporator 260.
- the chiller EEV 250 is positioned so that the outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 is at or below a predetermined setpoint.
- predetermined setpoint can be less than 80°F. In an embodiment, the predetermined setpoint can be at or about 70°F or less than 70°F. In an embodiment, the predetermined setpoint can be at or about 65°F or less than 65°F. In an embodiment, the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 can be configured to provide sufficient climate control to one or more batteries to stay within a temperature range of at or about 60 - 70°F.
- the positioning of the EEV 250 may also be based on the superheat of the working fluid discharge from the chiller evaporator 260.
- Superheat is the difference between the current temperature of a gas and the temperature at which the gas begins to condense.
- transport climate control system and/or the climate controller 290 may adjust a position of the EEV 250 based on the superheat of the working fluid discharged from the chiller evaporator 260.
- the EPR valve 280 has a pressure setting that defines a pressure of the working fluid downstream of the EPR valve 280.
- the EPR valve 280 is configured to adjust the amount of working fluid therethrough to control the pressure downstream of the EPR valve 280 to achieve the desired pressure setting.
- the EPR 280 is adjustable which allows to its pressure setting to be changed.
- the climate controller 290 may be configured to adjust a position of the EPR valve 280 such that the pressure of the working fluid downstream is increased or decreased to achieve the desired pressure setting.
- An increase in the pressure setting of the EPR valve 280 causes the main evaporator 240 to operate at higher pressure . This causes a larger amount of the working fluid to flow into the chiller EEV 250 and the chiller evaporator 260.
- closing of the EPR valve 280 causes a greater percentage of the working fluid from the condenser 220 to flow into the second working fluid stream WF 2 .
- the closing of the EPR valve 280 decreases the operating pressure in the chiller evaporator 260, lowers the saturation temperature of the working fluid in the chiller evaporator 260, and results in a lower outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 from the chiller evaporator 260.
- the closing of the EPR valve 280 shifts climate control capacity from the main evaporator 240 to the chiller evaporator 260 (e.g., decreases the cooling ability of the main heat transfer circuit while increasing the cooling ability of the chiller evaporator 260).
- the EPR valve 280 can shift climate control capacity without significantly increasing the superheat of the working fluid entering the compressor 210.
- the EPR valve 280 can be used to shift climate control capacity while also preventing the superheat of the working fluid entering the compressor 210 from exceeding a desired amount.
- the EPR valve 280 beneficially controls the saturation temperature of the working fluid at the chiller evaporation 260 to meet the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 even when the main heat transfer circuit 202 is providing large climate control (e.g., the main evaporator 240 is providing large climate control), colder third process fluid PF 3 is requested, and/or the compressor 210 is operating at low speeds.
- the pressure setting of the EPR valve 280 may be increased by partially closing the EPR valve 280.
- the EPR valve 280 reaches at or about a preset limit, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is increased and adjustment of the EPR valve 280 is decreased.
- the preset adjustment limit is a limit on an amount the EPR valve 280 can be closed in in the HVACR and Chiller mode.
- the EPR valve 280 is decreased after the speed increase of the variable speed compressor 210.
- the EPR valve 280 is reset (e.g., fully opened, set to its original pressure setting, etc.) after the speed increase of the variable speed compress 210 and if the outlet temperature T 4 of the second process fluid PF 2 is at or below the predetermined setpoint.
- compressor 210 may be a single speed compressor and the EPR valve 280 may be used to vary the climate control capacity of the main evaporator 240.
- the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV).
- the climate control circuit 200 includes the main EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250.
- the main EEV 230 controls the flow of the working fluid in first working fluid stream WF 1 to the main evaporator 240 while the chiller EEV 230 controls the flow of the working fluid in the second working fluid stream WF 2 to the chiller evaporator 260.
- the two EEVs 230, 250 are located in parallel relative to each other downstream of the condenser 220.
- An electronic expansion valve is adjustable to set a flowrate of working fluid through the EEV.
- the climate controller 290 may be configured to operate/adjust the main EEV 230 to change the flowrate f 2 of the working fluid to and through the main evaporator 240, and to operate/adjust the chiller EEV 250 to change the flowrate f 1 of the working fluid to and through the chiller evaporator 260.
- the electronic component 206 generates a substantial amount of heat quickly.
- the electronic component 206 in an embodiment may be a battery(s) that generate significant heat quickly when charging, discharging electric component(s), and/or electrical supplying component(s).
- the electronic component 206 in an embodiment can have significant temperature sensitivity when being used.
- the main EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250 are each adjustable to be fully closed, fully open, and have a plurality of positions (i.e., steps) in between fully open and fully closed.
- the main EEV 230 in the HVACR and chiller mode closes at least partially.
- the closure of the main EEV 230 redirects working fluid to the chiller evaporator 260, and increases the flow of working fluid through the chiller evaporator 260. This shifts climate control capacity from the main evaporator 240 to the chiller evaporator 260.
- the closure of the main EEV 230 starves the main evaporator 240 of working fluid.
- the main EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250 are independently adjustable.
- the transport climate control system and/or the controller 290 may be configured so that the adjustments of the main EEV 230 and the adjustment to the chiller EEV 250 are tried together.
- the main EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250 may be configured to be modulated so that the transfer of capacity between the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260 occurs smoothly.
- the main EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250 may be configured so that the modulation of the EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250 are tied together so that the transfer of capacity between the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260 occurs at more quickly depending upon the current capacity distribution between the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260.
- the transport climate control system and/or the controller 290 may control modulation of the EEV 230 and the chiller EEV 250 so that the shift of capacity is limited. For example, this can advantageously help prevent flow changes that have a negative impact on the operation of the condenser 220.
- the climate control circuit 200 is configured to, in part, allow for fast shifting of the climate control capacity between the main evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator 260. In an embodiment, this can be beneficial for electrical components that quickly generate significant heat and/or need to be cooled quickly. In an embodiment, this can be beneficial when high energy is required from the battery(s) and/or during high power charging of the battery(s).
- the climate control circuit 200 can operate in a HVACR mode when the main heat transfer circuit 202 has a climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 does not have a climate control demand.
- the main evaporator 240 provides cooling to the second process fluid PF 2
- the chiller evaporator 260 does not provide cooling to the third process fluid PF 3 .
- the chiller EEV 250 is closed.
- the closed chiller EEV 250 prevents working fluid from passing through the chiller EEV 250 and the chiller evaporator 260.
- the second working fluid stream WF 2 may include a solenoid valve 255 upstream of the evaporator chiller 260.
- the solenoid valve 255 is closed and prevents working fluid from flowing to and passing through the chiller evaporator 260.
- the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve
- the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes the solenoid valve 270 and the EPR valve 280 as discussed above.
- the EPR valve 280 and the solenoid valve 270 are at least partially open in the HVACR mode.
- the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 flows through the solenoid valve 270 and the TX valve 230 to the main evaporator 240, and through the main evaporator and the EPR valve 280 to the suction inlet 212 of the variable speed compressor 210.
- the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is based on the climate control demand for the climate controlled space. In an embodiment, the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 is based on the temperature of the climate controlled space and/or the outlet temperature T 4 of the second process fluid PF 2 .
- the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV) as discussed above.
- EEV main electronic expansion valve
- a position of the main EEV 230 may be adjusted based on climate control demand of the climate controlled space.
- the speed of the compressor 210 is controlled based on the climate control demand of the climate control demand in the HVACR mode.
- flowrate of working fluid f 2 through the main EEV 230 may be based on the temperature of the climate controlled space and/or the outlet temperature T 4 of the second process fluid PF 2 .
- the controller 290 can be configured to control and/or adjust the position of main EEV 230 so that superheat of the working fluid entering the compressor 210 does not exceed a desired amount.
- the heat transfer circuit 202 can operate in chiller mode when the chiller heat transfer circuit 204 has a climate control demand and the main heat transfer circuit 202 does not have a climate control demand.
- the chiller evaporator 240 provides cooling to the second process fluid PF 3 , while the main evaporator 240 does not provide cooling to the third process fluid PF 2 .
- the main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve
- the compressor 210 is a variable speed compressor
- the main heat transfer circuit 202 includes the solenoid valve 270 and the EPR valve 280 as discussed above.
- the solenoid valve 270 is closed and the chiller EEV 250 is at least partially open in the chiller mode.
- the closed solenoid valve 270 prevents working fluid from flowing through the main evaporator 240.
- the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 flows through chiller EEV 250 to and through the chiller evaporator 260.
- the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 and the position of the chiller EEV 250 are based on the climate control demand for the chiller heat transfer circuit 204.
- the speed of the variable speed compressor 210 and the position of the chiller EEV 250 are based on the temperature T 1 of the electrical component 206 and/or the outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 .
- the transport climate control system and/or the climate controller 290 in the chiller mode are configured to operate the variable speed compressor 210 at the lowest speed that achieves a desired outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 .
- the main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV) as discussed above. In the chiller mode, the main EEV 230 is closed and prevents working fluid flow flowing to and through the main evaporator 240.
- EEV main electronic expansion valve
- FIG. 3 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 300 of operating a transport climate control system (e.g., transport climate control system 110, transport climate control system 132, transport climate control system 145, MTCS 162, transport climate control system 187) for a climate controlled transport unit (e.g., climate controlled van 100, climate controlled straight truck 130, climate controlled transport unit 140, climate controlled transport unit 160, vehicle 185).
- the transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit (e.g., climate control circuit 200) that includes a main heat transfer circuit (e.g., main heat transfer circuit 202) and a chiller heat transfer circuit (e.g., chiller heat transfer circuit 204).
- the main heat transfer circuit provides climate control to a climate controlled space (e.g., climate controlled space 105, climate controlled space 131, climate controlled space 154, climate controlled space 170, climate controlled space 189).
- the chiller heat transfer circuit provides climate control to at least one or more electronic component(s) of the climate controlled transport unit or a tractor that tows the climate controlled transport unit (e.g., electronic component 206, battery 109, battery 139, battery 146, battery 153, battery 165, battery 198).
- the method starts at 310.
- a controller e.g., the controller 290 shown in Fig. 2
- the transport climate control system detects one or more climate control parameter(s) of the climate controlled transport or an attached tractor (e.g., tractor 145).
- the one or more parameters may include, for example but not limited to, a temperature of the climate controlled space, a temperature of an electronic component (e.g., temperature T 1 ), a temperature of a second climate controlled space (e.g., second climate controlled space 107, second climate controlled space 138, second climate controlled space 144), a return temperature of a process fluid (e.g., temperature T 6 of the second process fluid PF 2 ), and/or a return temperature of a second process fluid (e.g., temperature T 7 of the third process fluid PF 3 ).
- the method 300 then proceeds to 320.
- the controller determines a climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit and a climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- the climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit can be determined based on the climate control parameter(s) obtained at 310.
- the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit can be a cooling demand for the electronic component (e.g., a battery cooling demand, etc.).
- the chiller heat transfer circuit can have a climate control demand when a temperature of the electronic component exceeds a predefined limit.
- the predefined limit may be, for example, a temperature at which the electronic components operates less efficiently or a temperature to prevent thermal damage of the electronic component.
- the climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit can be a cooling demand for the climate controlled space.
- a cooling demand for the climate controlled space can occur when a difference between the temperature of the climate controlled space and a setpoint temperature exceeds a predetermined amount. The method then proceeds to 330.
- the controller determines whether both the main heat transfer circuit and chiller heat transfer circuit have climate control demands. If the controller determines that both the main heat transfer circuit and chiller heat transfer circuit have climate control demands, the method 300 proceeds to 340. If the controller determines that both the main heat transfer circuit and chiller heat transfer circuit do not have climate control demands, the method 300 proceeds to 350.
- the climate control system operates the climate control circuit in a HVCR and Chiller Mode.
- Operating the climate control circuit in the HVACR and Chiller mode 340 can include directing working fluid from a condenser (e.g., condenser 220) into parallel streams that extend through a main evaporator (e.g., main evaporator 240) and a chiller evaporator (e.g., chiller evaporator 260) of the main heat transfer circuit that are located in parallel to each other.
- a condenser e.g., condenser 220
- main evaporator e.g., main evaporator 240
- a chiller evaporator e.g., chiller evaporator 260
- the parallel streams can include a first stream (e.g., first working fluid stream WFi) that extends through a main expansion valve (e.g., main expansion valve 230) and the main evaporator, and a second stream that extends through a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) (e.g., chiller EEV 250) and the chiller evaporator.
- a main expansion valve e.g., main expansion valve 230
- a chiller electronic expansion valve EEV 250
- Operating in the HVACR and Chiller mode 340 can include operating the chiller EEV in an open position in which the chiller EEV is at least partially opened.
- the open position of the chiller EEV can be based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- operating the climate control circuit in the HVACR and Chiller mode can include controlling a speed of a variable speed compressor (e.g., compressor 210) and adjusting an electronic pressure regulator (EPR) valve (e.g., EPR valve 280) in the main heat transfer circuit.
- the EPR valve is located in the first stream and is configured to regulate a pressure of the working fluid (e.g., pressure P 3 ) discharged from the main evaporator.
- the variable speed compressor can be controlled based on climate control demands of the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- the EPR valve and the chiller EEV can be modulated to change the climate control provided by the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator.
- the transport climate control system closes the EPR valve to shift climate control capacity (e.g., cooling capacity) in the climate control circuit from the main evaporator to the chiller evaporator.
- climate control capacity e.g., cooling capacity
- the climate control circuit operates the EPR valve based on the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the chiller evaporator (e.g., outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 ) and a superheat of the working fluid discharged from the chiller evaporator.
- the method 300 then returns to 320 or optionally 310.
- the controller determines whether the main heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand. If the controller determines that the main heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand, the method 300 proceeds 360. Otherwise, the method 300 proceeds to 370.
- the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit in a HVACR mode.
- Operating the climate control circuit in the HVACR mode 360 can include directing working fluid from the condenser through the main expander and the main evaporator, and blocking flow of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator.
- blocking flow of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator includes positioning the EEV valve in a closed position.
- blocking flow of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator can include closing a solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve 255) upstream of the evaporator chiller and downstream of the condenser.
- operating the climate control circuit in the HVACR mode 360 can include controlling a speed of the variable speed compressor in the main heat transfer circuit based on the climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit.
- the speed of the variable speed compressor can be adjusted based on the temperature of the climate controlled space, an outlet temperature of the process fluid from the main evaporator (e.g., outlet temperature T 4 of the second process fluid PF 2 ), and/or a return temperature of the process fluid (e.g., return temperature T 6 of the second process fluid PF 2 ) to the main evaporator.
- the method 300 then returns to 320 or optionally 310.
- the controller determines whether the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the main heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand. If the controller determines that the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the main heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand, then the method 300 proceeds to 380. Otherwise, the method 300 proceeds back to 320 or optionally 310. In an embodiment, the method proceeds back to 310 from 370 when neither the main heat transfer circuit nor the chiller heat transfer circuit have a climate control demand.
- the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit in a chiller only mode.
- Operating the climate control circuit in the chiller mode 380 can include directing working fluid from the condenser through the chiller EEV and the chiller evaporator and blocking flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator.
- Directing working fluid from the condenser through the chiller EEV in 380 can include positioning the chiller EEV in an open position which allows the working fluid to pass through the chiller EEV to the chiller evaporator.
- the open position of the chiller EEV can be based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- the open position of the chiller EEV may be based on one or more of a temperature of the electrical component (e.g., temperature T 1 of the electrical component 206), the return temperature of the second process fluid to the chiller evaporator (e.g., return temperature T 7 of the third process fluid PF 3 ), and/or the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the chiller evaporator (e.g., outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3 ).
- a temperature of the electrical component e.g., temperature T 1 of the electrical component 206
- the return temperature of the second process fluid to the chiller evaporator e.g., return temperature T 7 of the third process fluid PF 3
- the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the chiller evaporator e.g., outlet temperature T 2 of the third process fluid PF 3
- blocking the flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator in 380 can include positioning a solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve 270) in a closed position.
- the solenoid valve can be disposed downstream of the condenser and upstream of the main evaporator.
- the closed solenoid valve can block the working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing to and through the main evaporator.
- the main expansion valve in the heat transfer circuit is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV).
- EEV main electronic expansion valve
- blocking the flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator in 380 includes positioning the main EEV in a closed position. The closed main EEV blocks the working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing to and through the main evaporator.
- one or more of the determinations and actions in the method 300 may be performed by a climate controller (e.g., climate controller 125, climate controller 135, climate controller 156, climate controller 195) of the transport climate control system in an embodiment.
- the method 300 may include and/or be modified to include features of the climate control circuit 200 as shown in Figure 2 and/or described above.
Abstract
Description
- This disclosure generally relates to transport climate control systems. More specifically, this disclosure relates to capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators.
- A transport climate control system is generally used to control an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, and the like) within a transport unit (e.g., a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a box car, or other similar transport unit). A climate controlled transport unit is commonly used to transport perishable items such as produce, frozen foods, and meat products. A climate controlled transport units are also used to transport passengers between locations.
- The transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit that is attached to the transport unit to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) of a particular space (e.g., a cargo space, a passenger space, etc.) (generally referred to as an "internal space"). The CCU can include, without limitation, a climate control circuit with a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and fans and/or blowers to control a heat exchange between air inside the internal space and the ambient air outside of the climate controlled transport unit.
- The embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators.
- Transport units can have a climate controlled space for cargo or passengers that is provided climate control (e.g., heated, cooled, etc.) by a transport climate control system. The transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit can also include electrical components (e.g., a battery, an inverter, etc.). An electric component can generate heat during operation that causes said electric component to operate inefficiently or become damaged. For example, a battery charging system and/or power supplying electronics may generate significant heat during use. Also, for example, a battery in a transport unit can generate substantial heat when being charged and discharged, and/or static converter can generate substantial heat when converting power. The heat can significantly impact the efficiency of the battery and/or damage the battery. The transport unit or the tractor that tows the transport unit may include an operating compartment for an operator of the transport unit or the tractor. Climate control of the operating space may be desirable.
- The disclosed embodiments are capable of providing climate control to the climate controlled space and auxiliary cooling for electrical component(s) and/or secondary space(s). Disclosed embodiments can selectively provide the climate control for the climate controlled space, for the auxiliary cooling, and for both the climate controlled space and the auxiliary cooling. The disclosed embodiments provide adjustable capacity control between multiple evaporators by controlling, for example, an evaporator working fluid and/or an evaporator working fluid pressure passing through a refrigeration circuit having the multiple evaporators.
- In an embodiment, a transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit includes a climate controlled space. The transport climate control system includes a main heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit includes a compressor to compress a working fluid, a condenser, a main expansion valve, a main evaporator, a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV), and a chiller evaporator. The compressor is configured to compress a working fluid and the condenser is configured to cool the compressed working fluid with a first process fluid.
- The main expansion valve and the chiller EEV are located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser and are configured to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser. The main evaporator and the chiller evaporator are located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser. The main evaporator is configured to receive the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve to cool a second process fluid as the working fluid flows through the main evaporator. It may be said that the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve flows to and through the main evaporator and is configured to cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator. The second process fluid is for cooling the climate controlled space. It may be said that the second process fluid is configured to cool the climate controlled space, or that the transport climate control system is configured to cool the climate controlled space using the second process fluid. The working fluid expanded by the chiller expansion valve flows to and through the chiller evaporator and cools a third process fluid in the chiller evaporator.
- The chiller heat transfer circuit includes the chiller evaporator. The chiller evaporator is configured to cool the third process fluid which is for flowing through the chiller heat transfer circuit and providing auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system. It may be said that the third process fluid is configured to flow through the chiller heat transfer circuit and to provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system.
- In an embodiment, the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve and the heat transfer circuit includes an electronic pressure regulator downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor.
- In an embodiment, the main expansion valve is an electronic expansion valve (EEV) that is adjustable to control a flow rate of the working fluid through the main EEV.
- In an embodiment, a method of operating a transport climate control system for a climate control includes, determining a climate control demand for a main heat transfer circuit and determining a climate control demand for a chiller heat transfer circuit. The climate control system includes the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser. The chiller heat transfer circuit includes the chiller evaporator.
- The method includes operating in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) and chiller mode when both the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit have a respective climate control demand. Operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator. The main evaporator cools a process fluid for cooling the climate controlled space. The chiller evaporator cools different process fluid for providing auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system.
- The method includes operating in the HVACR mode when only the main heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand. Operating in the HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the main evaporator and the chiller EEV blocking flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator.
- The method includes operating in a chiller mode when only the chiller heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand. Operating in the chiller mode includes directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator and blocking the flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator.
- Both described and other features, aspects, and advantages of a heat transfer circuit and methods of operating a heat transfer circuit will be better understood with the following drawings:
-
Figure 1A is a side view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled van. -
Figure 1B is a partial side view of an embodiment of a climate-controlled straight truck. -
Figure 1C is a side prospective view of an embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit and a tractor. -
Figure 1D is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a climate controlled transport unit. -
Figure 1E is a front prospective view of an embodiment of a climate controlled vehicle for transporting passengers. -
Figure 2 is a block schematic diagram of an embodiment of a climate control circuit for a transport climate control system. -
Figure 3 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of operating a transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit. - Like reference characters refer to similar features.
- The embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators.
- In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is claimed, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized without departing form the spirit and the scope of the claims. The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, therefore, are not to be taken in a finite sense.
- Different types of goods/cargo may need to be stored at specific environmental condition(s) while being stored within a transport unit. For example, perishable goods may need to be stored within a specific temperature range to prevent spoilage and liquid goods may need to be kept at a temperature above their freezing point. Also, goods having electronic components may need to be kept in environmental conditions with a lower moisture content to avoid damage to their electronic components. Passengers traveling in the transport unit may need to be kept in a climate controlled space with specific environmental condition(s) to ensure their comfort while traveling. For example, the climate controlled space containing the passengers should be at a temperature that is generally comfortable for passengers. A transport climate control system may blow conditioned air into the climate controlled space of the transport unit to keep the air within the climate controlled space at the desired environmental conditions.
- A transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit may have electronic component(s) that are temperature sensitive and/or generate significant heat while operating. For example, a transport unit may include a battery that generates significant heat when being discharged and/or charged. A transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit may have an operator space for an operator that operates the transport unit and/or tractor.
- The embodiments described herein are generally directed to capacity control of a transport climate control system that includes multiple evaporators. In some embodiments, a climate control circuit is provided that includes a main heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit. The main heat transfer circuit includes a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator that are located in parallel to each other. The main heat transfer circuit can be configured to provide climate control to a climate controlled space of the transport unit that can store, for example, goods or passengers. The chiller heat transfer circuit includes the chiller evaporator and can be configured to provide auxiliary climate control that can provide climate control, independent of the main heat transfer circuit, to provide climate control to an electrical component(s) (e.g., a battery), or an operator space separate from the climate controlled space. For example, the climate control circuit can advantageously distribute cooling capacity to the climate controlled space and the auxiliary climate control, direct its capacity to only main heat transfer circuit, or direct its capacity to only the auxiliary climate control by controlling the pressure in the evaporators and/or the flow of working fluid through each of the evaporators.
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Figure 1A illustrates one embodiment of a climate-controlledvan 100 that includes a climate controlledspace 105 for carrying cargo and a transportclimate control system 110 for providing climate control within the climate controlledspace 105. The transportclimate control system 110 includes a climate control unit (CCU) 115 that is mounted to arooftop 120 of thevan 100. The transportclimate control system 110 can include, amongst other components, a climate control circuit (seeFigure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, evaporator(s) and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate controlledspace 105. - The climate-controlled
van 100 may include a second climate controlledspace 107. The second climate controlledspace 107 may be an operator compartment of the climate-controlled van 100 (e.g., a cabin, etc.). For example, the second climate controlledspace 107 accommodates an operator when operating (e.g., driving, etc.) the climate-controlledvan 100. In an embodiment, the transportclimate control system 110 can be configured to also provide climate control to the second climate controlledspace 107. - The climate-controlled
van 100 may include abattery 109 that is a power source for operating the climate-controlledvan 100 and/or for the transportclimate control system 110. In an embodiment, the climate-controlledvan 100 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The climate-controlledvan 100 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine. The transportclimate control system 110 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of the climate-controlledvan 100 for power. Thebattery 109 inFigure 1A is located outside theCCU 115. However, it should be appreciated that thebattery 109 in an embodiment may be located in theCCU 115 and configured to supply power for operating the transportclimate control system 110. In an embodiment, the transportclimate control system 110 can be configured to provide climate control to thebattery 109. - It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to climate-controlled vans, but can apply to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit), etc.
- The transport
climate control system 110 also includes aprogrammable climate controller 125 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 110 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of thevan 100, an ambient humidity outside of thevan 100, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by theCCU 115 into the climate controlledspace 105, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlledspace 105 back to theCCU 115, a humidity within the climate controlledspace 105, a temperature of thebattery 109, a temperature of the second climate controlledspace 107, etc.) and communicate parameter data to theclimate controller 125. Theclimate controller 125 is configured to control operation of the transportclimate control system 110 including the components of the climate control circuit. Theclimate controller 115 may comprise a singleintegrated control unit 126 or may comprise a distributed network ofclimate controller elements -
Figure 1B illustrates one embodiment of a climate-controlledstraight truck 130 that includes a climate controlledspace 131 for carrying cargo and a transportclimate control system 132. The transportclimate control system 132 includes aCCU 133 that is mounted to afront wall 134 of the climate controlledspace 131. TheCCU 133 can include, amongst other components, a climate control circuit (seeFigure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide climate control within the climate controlledspace 131. - The climate-controlled
straight truck 130 may include a second climate controlledspace 138. The second climate controlledspace 138 may be an operator compartment of the climate-controlled straight truck 130 (e.g., a cabin, etc.). For example, the second climate controlled space 144 may accommodate an operator of the climate-controlledstraight truck 130 when operating the climate-controlled straight truck 130 (e.g., driving, etc.). In an embodiment, the transportclimate control system 132 can be configured to provide climate control to the second climate controlledspace 138. - The climate-controlled
straight truck 130 may include abattery 139 that is a power source for operating climate-controlledstraight truck 130 and/or for the transportclimate control system 132. In an embodiment, the climate-controlledstraight truck 130 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. The climate-controlledstraight truck 130 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine. The transportclimate control system 132 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of the climate-controlledstraight truck 130 for power. Thebattery 139 inFigure 1B is located outside theCCU 133. However, it should be appreciated that thebattery 139 in an embodiment may be located in theCCU 133 and configured to supply power to the transportclimate control system 132. In an embodiment, the transportclimate control system 132 can be configured to provide climate control to thebattery 139. - The transport
climate control system 132 also includes aprogrammable climate controller 135 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 132 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of thetruck 130, an ambient humidity outside of thetruck 130, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by theCCU 133 into the climate controlledspace 131, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlledspace 131 back to theCCU 133, a humidity within the climate controlledspace 131, a temperature of thebattery 139, a temperature of the second climate controlledspace 138, etc.) and communicate parameter data to theclimate controller 135. Theclimate controller 135 is configured to control operation of the transportclimate control system 132 including components of the climate control circuit. Theclimate controller 135 may comprise a singleintegrated control unit 136 or may comprise a distributed network ofclimate controller elements -
Figure 1C illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlledtransport unit 140 attached to atractor 142. The climate controlledtransport unit 140 includes a transportclimate control system 145 for atransport unit 150. Thetractor 142 is attached to and is configured to tow thetransport unit 150. Thetransport unit 150 shown inFig. 1C is a trailer. - The transport
climate control system 145 includes aCCU 152 that provides environmental control (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlledspace 154 of thetransport unit 150. TheCCU 152 is disposed on afront wall 157 of thetransport unit 150. In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that theCCU 152 can be disposed, for example, on a rooftop or another wall of thetransport unit 150. TheCCU 152 includes a climate control circuit (seeFigure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate controlledspace 154. - The
tractor 142 may include a second climate controlled space 144. The second climate controlled space 144 may be an operator compartment of the tractor 142 (e.g., a cabin, etc.). For example, the second climate controlled space 144 may accommodate an operator of thetractor 142 when operating the tractor 142 (e.g., driving, etc.). In an embodiment, the transportclimate control system 145 can be configured to provide climate control to the second climate controlled space 144. - The
tractor 142 may include abattery 139 that is a power source for operating thetractor 142 and/or for the transportclimate control system 145. In an embodiment, thetractor 142 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. Thetractor 142 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine. - The climate controlled
transport unit 140 may include abattery 153 that is a power source for the transportclimate control system 145. The transportclimate control system 145 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of climate controlledtransport unit 140 or thetractor 142 for power. Thebattery 153 inFigure 1C is located within theCCU 152. However, it should be appreciated thebattery 153 in an embodiment may be located outside of theCCU 152. In such an embodiment, thebattery 153 may be, for example, attached to the underside of the climate controlledtransport unit 150. In an embodiment, the transportclimate control system 145 can be configured to provide climate control to thebattery 146 and/or thebattery 153. - The transport
climate control system 145 also includes aprogrammable climate controller 156 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 145 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of thetransport unit 150, an ambient humidity outside of thetransport unit 150, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, a supply air temperature of air supplied by theCCU 152 into the climate controlledspace 154, a return air temperature of air returned from the climate controlledspace 154 back to theCCU 152, a humidity within the climate controlledspace 154, a temperature of thebattery 146, a temperature of thebattery 153, a temperature of the second climate controlled space 144, etc.) and communicate parameter data to theclimate controller 156. Theclimate controller 156 is configured to control operation of the transportclimate control system 145 including components of the climate control circuit. Theclimate controller 156 may comprise a singleintegrated control unit 158 or may comprise a distributed network ofclimate controller elements -
Figure 1D illustrates another embodiment of a climate controlledtransport unit 160. The climate controlledtransport unit 160 includes a multi-zone transport climate control system (MTCS) 162 for atransport unit 164 that can be towed, for example, by a tractor (e.g., thetractor 142 inFigure 1C ). It will be appreciated that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but can apply to any type of transport unit (e.g., a truck, a container (such as a container on a flat car, an intermodal container, a marine container, etc.), a box car, a semi-tractor, a bus, or other similar transport unit), etc. - The
MTCS 162 includes aCCU 166 and a plurality ofremote units 168 that provide environmental control (e.g. temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlledspace 170 of thetransport unit 164. The climate controlledspace 170 can be divided into a plurality ofzones 172. The term "zone" means a part of an area of the climate controlledspace 170 separated bywalls 174. TheCCU 166 can operate as a host unit and provide climate control within afirst zone 172a of the climate controlledspace 170. Theremote unit 168a can provide climate control within asecond zone 172b of the climate controlledspace 170. Theremote unit 168b can provide climate control within athird zone 172c of the climate controlledspace 170. Accordingly, theMTCS 162 can be used to separately and independently control environmental condition(s) within each of themultiple zones 172 of the climate controlledspace 170. - The
CCU 166 is disposed on afront wall 167 of thetransport unit 160. In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that theCCU 166 can be disposed, for example, on a rooftop or another wall of thetransport unit 160. TheCCU 166 includes a climate control circuit (seeFigure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate controlledspace 170. Theremote unit 168a is disposed on aceiling 179 within thesecond zone 172b and theremote unit 168b is disposed on theceiling 179 within thethird zone 172c. Each of theremote units 168a,b include an evaporator (not shown) that connects to the rest of the climate control circuit provided in theCCU 166. - The climate controlled
transport unit 160 may include abattery 165 that is a power source for theMTCS 162. In an embodiment, theCCU 166 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. TheMTCS 162 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of the climate controlledtransport unit 162 or the tractor for power. Thebattery 165 inFigure 1D is part of theMTCS 162. However, it should be appreciated that thebattery 165 in an embodiment may be located outside of theMTCS 162. In such an embodiment, thebattery 165 may be, for example, attached to the underside of the climate controlledtransport unit 160. In an embodiment, theMTCS 162 can be configured to provide climate control to thebattery 162, a second climate controlled space in the tractor that tows the climate controlled transport unit 160 (e.g., second climate controlled space 144), and/or a battery of the tractor (e.g., battery 146), etc. - The
MTCS 162 also includes aprogrammable climate controller 180 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the MTCS 162 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of thetransport unit 164, an ambient humidity outside of thetransport unit 164, a compressor suction pressure, a compressor discharge pressure, supply air temperatures of air supplied by theCCU 166 and theremote units 168 into each of thezones 172, return air temperatures of air returned from each of thezones 172 back to therespective CCU 166 orremote unit battery 146, a temperature of a battery of the tractor, a temperature of the second climate controlled space in the tractor, etc.) and communicate parameter data to aclimate controller 180. Theclimate controller 180 is configured to control operation of theMTCS 162 including components of the climate control circuit. Theclimate controller 180 may comprise a singleintegrated control unit 181 or may comprise a distributed network ofclimate controller elements -
Figure 1E is a perspective view of avehicle 185 including a transportclimate control system 187, according to one embodiment. Thevehicle 185 is a mass-transit bus that can carry passenger(s) (not shown) to one or more destinations. In other embodiments, thevehicle 185 can be a school bus, railway vehicle, subway car, or other commercial vehicle that carries passengers. Thevehicle 185 includes a climate controlled space (e.g., passenger compartment) 189 supported that can accommodate a plurality of passengers. Thevehicle 185 includesdoors 190 that are positioned on a side of thevehicle 185. In the embodiment shown inFig. 1E , afirst door 190 is located adjacent to a forward end of thevehicle 185, and asecond door 190 is positioned towards a rearward end of thevehicle 185. Eachdoor 190 is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively allow access to the climate controlledspace 189. The transportclimate control system 187 includes aCCU 192 attached to aroof 194 of thevehicle 185. - The
CCU 170 includes a climate control circuit (seeFigure 2 ) that connects, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and an expansion device to provide conditioned air within the climate controlledspace 189. - The
vehicle 185 may include abattery 198 that is a power source for operating thevehicle 185 and/or for the transportclimate control system 187. In an embodiment, thevehicle 185 may also include an engine (not shown) as a power source. Thevehicle 185 may be a hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric vehicle that does not include an engine. The transportclimate control system 187 may be a hybrid power system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power or an electric power system that does not include or rely upon an engine (not shown) of thevehicle 185 for power. Thebattery 198 inFigure 1E is located outside theCCU 192. However, it should be appreciated that thebattery 198 in an embodiment may be located in theCCU 192 and configured to supply power to the transportclimate control system 187. In an embodiment, the transportclimate control system 187 can be configured to provide climate control to thebattery 198. - The transport
climate control system 187 also includes aprogrammable climate controller 195 and one or more sensors (not shown) that are configured to measure one or more parameters of the transport climate control system 187 (e.g., an ambient temperature outside of thevehicle 185, a space temperature within the climate controlledspace 189, an ambient humidity outside of thevehicle 185, a space humidity within the climate controlledspace 189, a temperature of thebattery 198, etc.) and communicate parameter data to theclimate controller 195. Theclimate controller 195 is configured to control operation of the transportclimate control system 187 including components of the climate control circuit. Theclimate controller 195 may comprise a singleintegrated control unit 196 or may comprise a distributed network ofclimate controller elements -
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of aclimate control circuit 200. In an embodiment, theclimate control circuit 200 is utilized to control an environmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) in a climate controlled space of a transport unit. For example, theclimate control circuit 200 may be utilized in a transport climate control system (e.g., transportclimate control system 110, transportclimate control system 132, transportclimate control system 145, multi-zone transportclimate control system 162, the transportclimate control system 187, etc.). - The
climate control circuit 200 includes a mainheat transfer circuit 202 and a chillerheat transfer circuit 204. The mainheat transfer circuit 202 includes acompressor 210, acondenser 220, amain expansion valve 230, amain evaporator 240, a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) 250, achiller evaporator 260, and aprogrammable climate controller 290. The mainheat transfer circuit 202 in an embodiment may also include anoptional solenoid valve 270 and/or an optional electronic pressure regulator (EPR)valve 280. In an embodiment, the mainheat transfer circuit 202 can be modified to include additional components, such as, for example, an economizer heat exchanger, one or more additional valve(s), sensor(s) (e.g., a flow sensor, a temperature sensor), a receiver tank, a filter drier, or the like. - The components of the main
heat transfer circuit 202 are fluidly connected. Dotted lines are provided inFigure 2 to indicate fluid flows various components (e.g.,condenser 220,main evaporator 240, chiller evaporator 260) for clarity, and should be understood as not specifying a particular route within each component. Dashed lines are provided to illustrate optional components. Dashed dotted lines are provided in the Figures to illustrate electronic communications between different components. For example, a dashed dotted line extends from theclimate controller 290 to thecompressor 210 as theclimate controller 290 is configured to control thecompressor 210. - In an embodiment, the
climate controller 290 includes a memory (not shown) for storing information and a processor (not shown). In an embodiment, theclimate controller 290 is a climate controller of a transport climate control system (e.g.,climate controller 125,climate controller 135,climate controller 156,climate control 195, etc.). Theclimate controller 290 is shown inFigure 1 as a single integrated control unit. However, it should be appreciate that theclimate controller 290 in an embodiment may a single integrated control unit or a distributed network of climate controller elements (e.g., distributed network ofclimate controller elements climate controller elements climate controller elements climate controller elements - A working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, a refrigerant mixture, etc.) flows through the main
heat transfer circuit 202. Thecompressor 210 includes asuction inlet 212 and adischarge outlet 214. Working fluid in a lower pressure gaseous state or mostly gaseous state is drawn into thesuction inlet 212 of thecompressor 210. The working fluid is compressed as it flows through thecompressor 210. Compressed working fluid is discharged from thedischarge outlet 214 of thecompressor 210 and flows to thecondenser 220. In an embodiment, thecompressor 210 may be a single speed compressor. In an embodiment, thecompressor 210 may be a multispeed compressor. In such an embodiment, thecompressor 210 may be, for example, an engine driven multispeed compressor. - A first process fluid PF1 flows through the
condenser 220 separate from the working fluid. Thecondenser 220 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the first process fluid PF1 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physically mixing as they each flow through thecondenser 220. As the working fluid flows through thecondenser 220, the first process fluid PF1 absorbs heat from the working fluid and cools the working fluid. In an embodiment, the first process fluid PF1 may be air, water and/or glycol, or the like that is suitable for absorbing and transferring heat from the working fluid and theclimate control circuit 200. For example, the first process fluid PF1 may be ambient air circulated from an outside atmosphere (e.g., from outside the climate controlled transport unit), water to be heated as hot water, or any suitable fluid for transferring heat from theclimate control circuit 200. In an embodiment, the first process fluid PF1 is ambient air from an outside atmosphere or an intermediate fluid that transfers heat to ambient air from the outside atmosphere. The working fluid is cooled by thecondenser 220 and becomes liquid or mostly liquid as it passes through thecondenser 220. - The working fluid flows from the
condenser 220 to themain expansion valve 230 and thechiller EEV 250. Themain expansion valve 230 and thechiller EEV 250 are located in parallel to each other downstream of thecondenser 220. Themain expansion valve 230 is downstream of thecondenser 220 and upstream of themain evaporator 240. Working fluid is supplied to themain evaporator 240 by themain expansion valve 230. Thechiller EEV 250 is downstream of thecondenser 220 and upstream of thechiller evaporator 260. Working fluid is supplied to thechiller evaporator 260 by thechiller EEV 250. - As shown in
Figure 2 , themain evaporator 240 and thechiller evaporator 260 are located in parallel to each other downstream of thecondenser 220. When theclimate control circuit 200 utilizes both themain evaporator 240 and thechiller evaporator 260, the working fluid after passing through thecondenser 220 splits into multiple parallel streams WF1, WF2. Operation of theclimate control circuit 200 is described in more detail below. A first stream of the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 ("first working fluid stream" WFi) travels through themain expansion valve 230 and themain evaporator 240. A second stream of the working fluid discharged from the condenser 220 ("second working fluid stream" WF2) travels through thechiller EEV 250 and thechiller evaporator 260. - In an embodiment, the main
heat transfer circuit 202 may include one or more additional evaporator(s) (not shown) for cooling the climate controlled space (e.g., evaporator(s) in remote unit(s) 168, etc.). In such an embodiment, the additional evaporator(s) may be in parallel with themain evaporator 240 and the chiller evaporator. The additional evaporator(s) may include expansion valve(s), pressure regulation valve(s), and/or flow control valve(s) similar to themain evaporator 240. - The
main expansion valve 230 and thechiller EEV 250 each allow the working fluid to expand as it flows through the respective valve. The expansion causes the working fluid to significantly decrease in temperature. The lower temperature gaseous/liquid working fluid expanded by themain expansion valve 230 and thechiller EEV 250 then flows to themain evaporator 240 and thechiller evaporator 260. - The working fluid in the first working fluid stream WF1 is expanded by the
main expansion valve 230 and flows from themain expansion valve 230 to themain evaporator 240. The lower temperature gaseous/liquid working fluid flows from themain expansion valve 230 to and through themain evaporator 240. A second process fluid PF2 also flows through themain evaporator 240 separately from the working fluid. Themain evaporator 240 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physically mixing as they each flow through themain evaporator 250. As the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 flow through themain evaporator 250, the working fluid absorbs heat from the second process fluid PF2 which cools the second process fluid PF2. The second process fluid PF2 exits themain evaporator 250 at a lower temperature than it entered themain evaporator 250. The working fluid is gaseous or mostly gaseous as it exits themain evaporator 250. InFigure 2 , the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 flow through themain evaporator 250 in a counter-flow. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the working fluid and the second process fluid PF2 may flow through themain evaporator 250 in a parallel flow. - The second process fluid PF2 is configured to cool a climate controlled space (e.g., climate controlled
space 105, climate controlledspace 131, climate controlledspace 154, climate controlledspace 170, climate controlled space 189). The second process fluid PF2 may be configured to cool the climate controlled space directly or indirectly. In an embodiment, the second process fluid PF2 is air and the cooled second process fluid PF2 is ventilated to the climate controlled space. In an embodiment, the second process fluid PF2 is an intermediate fluid (e.g., water, a water/glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.), and the transport climate control system utilizes the cooled second process fluid PF2 to cool air ventilated to the climate controlled space or circulates the cooled second process fluid PF2 through the climate controlled space providing the cooling in the climate controlled space. - The working fluid in the second working fluid stream WF2 is expanded by the
chiller EEV 250 and flows from thechiller EEV 250 to and through thechiller evaporator 260. A third process fluid PF3 also flows through thechiller evaporator 260 separately from the working fluid. Thechiller evaporator 260 is a heat exchanger that allows the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 to be in a heat transfer relationship without physically mixing as they each flow through thechiller evaporator 260. As the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 flow through thechiller evaporator 260, the working fluid absorbs heat from the third process fluid PF3 which cools the third process fluid PF3. The third process fluid PF3 exits thechiller evaporator 260 at a lower temperature than it entered thechiller evaporator 260. The working fluid is gaseous or mostly gaseous as it exits thechiller evaporator 260. InFigure 2 , the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 flow through thechiller evaporator 260 in a counter-flow. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the working fluid and the third process fluid PF3 may flow through thechiller evaporator 260 in a parallel flow. - The working fluid exiting the
main evaporator 240 flows from themain evaporator 240 to thesuction inlet 212 of thecompressor 210. The working fluid exiting thechiller evaporator 260 flows from thechiller evaporator 260 to thesuction inlet 212 of thecompressor 210. The first working fluid stream WF1 and the second working fluid stream WF2 converge upstream of thecompressor 210. The working fluid flowing from themain evaporator 240 mixes with the working fluid flowing from thechiller evaporator 260 and flows into thesuction inlet 212 of thecompressor 210. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, and the mainheat transfer circuit 202 includes thesolenoid valve 270 and theEPR valve 280. In an embodiment, thecompressor 210 may also be a variable speed compressor. The TX valve is configured to regulate a flow f 1 of working fluid into themain evaporator 240 such that a superheat of the working fluid discharged from themain evaporator 240 is at or about constant. Thesolenoid valve 270 can be closed to stop flow of the working fluid through themain TX valve 230 and themain evaporator 240. TheEPR valve 280 is configured to regulate the pressure of the working fluid passing through theEPR valve 280. TheEPR valve 280 is configured to allow only working fluid with at least a specific pressure to pass through. Operation of thevariable speed compressor 210,solenoid valve 270, and theEPR valve 280 in an embodiment of theclimate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV). In such an embodiment, theclimate control circuit 200 includes themain EEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250. In such an embodiment, theclimate control circuit 200 may not include theoptional solenoid valve 270 and/or theoptional EPR valve 280. Operation of themain EEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250 in an embodiment of theclimate control circuit 200 is discussed in more detail below. - The chiller
heat transfer circuit 204 includes thechiller evaporator 260. In an embodiment, the third process fluid PF3 is configured to provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system. In an embodiment, the auxiliary cooling is for cooling component(s) and/or climate controlled space(s) different than the climate controlled space conditioned by the second process fluid PF2. In an embodiment, the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 is configured to provide climate control (e.g., cooling, heating, etc.) to anelectronics component 206 in the transport unit or a tractor that tows the transport unit. In an embodiment, the auxiliary cooling provided by the third process fluid PF3 is for cooling at least theelectronic component 206. In an embodiment, the third process fluid PF3 cools an intermediate fluid (e.g., air, water, a water/glycol mixture, a heat transfer fluid, etc.) that flows along and cools theelectronic component 206. - In an embodiment, the
electronic component 206 is a battery (e.g.,battery 109,battery 139,battery 146,battery 153,battery 165,battery 198, etc.). In an embodiment, the battery may be in the form of a single unit. However, it should be appreciated that a battery in an embodiment may be in the form of multiple battery packs. In an embodiment, the third process fluid PF3 flows through the battery and/or along a heatsink of the battery. In an embodiment, theelectronic component 206 is component of the electronic charging system that charges at least one battery (e.g.,battery 109,battery 139,battery 146,battery 153,battery 165,battery 198, etc.) in the transport unit and/or a tractor that tows the transport unit. In an embodiment, theelectronic component 206 is a power supply component (e.g., a static converter, etc.) in the transport unit. - In an embodiment, the chiller
heat transfer circuit 204 can be modified to include additional components, such as, for example, additional heat exchangers, one or more additional valve(s), sensor(s) (e.g., a flow sensor, a temperature sensor), a receiver tank, or the like. The components of the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 are fluidly connected. - In an embodiment, the chiller
heat transfer circuit 204 may include a heater heat exchanger (not shown) that is located in parallel with thechiller evaporator 260. The heater heat exchanger configured to utilize a fourth process fluid (not shown) to heat the third process fluid PF3 when heating of theelectronic component 206 is desired. The chillerheat transfer circuit 204 configured to have the third process fluid PF3 bypass the heater heat exchanger when cooling of theelectronic component 206 is desired. In a heat pump mode, the heat from theelectronic component 206 may be transferred to the fourth process fluid (not shown), and the fourth process fluid may be used to heat the second process fluid PF2 and/or the climate controlled space. - In an embodiment, the transport climate control system operates based on a climate control demand of the main
heat transfer circuit 202 and a climate control demand of the chillerheat transfer circuit 204. The transport climate control system has a plurality of modes. In an embodiment, the transport climate control system operates theclimate control circuit 200 in one of the modes based on the climate control demands of the mainheat transfer circuit 202 and the chillerheat transfer circuit 204. In such an embodiment, theclimate controller 290 may configure and/or operate components of the mainheat transfer circuit 202 so theclimate control circuit 200 operates according to an appropriate mode. - In an embodiment, the climate control demands are based on one or more parameters of transport unit or the tractor that tows the transport unit. In an embodiment, the climate control demands may be based on, for example but not limited to, one of more parameter(s) of the working fluid, the second process fluid PF2, the third process fluid PF3, the climate controlled space, and/or the
electronic component 206. In an embodiment, theclimate control circuit 200 may include, for example but not limited to, one or more of atemperature sensor 292A for detecting a temperature T1 of theelectronic component 206, achiller outlet sensor 292B for detecting an outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3, asuction temperature sensor 292C for detecting a suction temperature T3 of the working fluid entering thecompressor 210, asuction pressure sensor 292D for detecting a suction inlet pressure P1 of the working fluid entering thecompressor 210, an evaporatoroutlet temperature sensor 292E for detecting an outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2, a chillersuction pressure sensor 292F for detecting a outlet pressure P2 of the working fluid from thechiller evaporator 260, and/or a chillersuction temperature sensor 292G for detecting an outlet temperature T5 of the working fluid from thechiller evaporator 260. In an embodiment, theclimate controller 290 may utilize one or more of thesensors climate control circuit 300. Connections (e.g., dashed-dotted lines) between theclimate controller 290 and thesensors Figure 2 for clarity. - In an embodiment, the climate control demand of the chiller
heat transfer circuit 204 occurs when the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 is to climate control one or more of its components. In an embodiment, the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 has a climate control demand when the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 is to provide cooling to theelectronic component 206. In an embodiment, the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 has a cooling demand for the electronic component. For example, a cooling demand may occur when the temperature T1 of theelectronic component 206 exceeds a predefined limit. In an embodiment, theelectronic component 206 is based on the efficiently of theelectronic component 206 or protecting theelectronic component 206 from thermal damage. - In an embodiment, the climate control demand of the main
heat transfer circuit 204 is a climate control demand for the climate controlled space. In an embodiment, a climate control demand occurs when the mainheat transfer circuit 204 is to provide climate control to the climate controlled space. In an embodiment, the climate control demand may be a cooling demand for the climate controlled space. For example, a cooling demand for the climate controlled space may occur when a difference between the temperature of the climate controlled space and a setpoint temperature exceeds a predetermined amount. - In an embodiment, the transport climate control system can be configured to operate the
climate control circuit 200 in a HVACR and chiller mode when both the mainheat transfer circuit 202 and the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 have a respective climate control demand. In the HVACR and Chiller mode, themain evaporator 240 cools the second process fluid PF2 and thechiller evaporator 260 cools the third process fluid PF3. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, thecompressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the mainheat transfer circuit 202 includes thesolenoid valve 270 and theEPR valve 280. In the HVACR and Chiller mode, thechiller EEV 250, thesolenoid valve 270, and theEPR valve 280 are at least partially open. - An electronic expansion valve (EEV) has an adjustable opening such that the EEV can be adjusted to set a flowrate of through the EEV. A "position" of the EEV valve refers to the extent that EEV valve is opened or closed. For example, the
climate controller 290 may be configured to position thechiller EEV 250 control the flowrate f 1 of the working fluid from thechiller EEV 250 to thechiller evaporator 260. - In an embodiment, a speed of the
variable speed compressor 210 is based on a temperature difference between the current temperature of the climate controlled space and the temperature setpoint T1. In an embodiment, thecontroller 290 of the transport climate control system controls thevariable speed compressor 210 to have a speed based on said temperature different, and positions thechiller EEV 250 to have a flowrate f 1 based on an outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3 from thechiller evaporator 260. Generally, increasing the flowrate f 1 of the working fluid throughchiller evaporator 260 increases the amount of heat absorbed from the third process fluid PF3 and reduces the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3 from thechiller evaporator 260. In the HVACR and Chiller mode, thechiller EEV 250 is positioned so that the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3 is at or below a predetermined setpoint. - In an embodiment, predetermined setpoint can be less than 80°F. In an embodiment, the predetermined setpoint can be at or about 70°F or less than 70°F. In an embodiment, the predetermined setpoint can be at or about 65°F or less than 65°F. In an embodiment, the chiller
heat transfer circuit 204 can be configured to provide sufficient climate control to one or more batteries to stay within a temperature range of at or about 60 - 70°F. - In an embodiment, the positioning of the
EEV 250 may also be based on the superheat of the working fluid discharge from thechiller evaporator 260. "Superheat" is the difference between the current temperature of a gas and the temperature at which the gas begins to condense. In an embodiment, transport climate control system and/or theclimate controller 290 may adjust a position of theEEV 250 based on the superheat of the working fluid discharged from thechiller evaporator 260. - In an embodiment, the
EPR valve 280 has a pressure setting that defines a pressure of the working fluid downstream of theEPR valve 280. TheEPR valve 280 is configured to adjust the amount of working fluid therethrough to control the pressure downstream of theEPR valve 280 to achieve the desired pressure setting. TheEPR 280 is adjustable which allows to its pressure setting to be changed. For example, theclimate controller 290 may be configured to adjust a position of theEPR valve 280 such that the pressure of the working fluid downstream is increased or decreased to achieve the desired pressure setting. - An increase in the pressure setting of the
EPR valve 280 causes themain evaporator 240 to operate at higher pressure . This causes a larger amount of the working fluid to flow into thechiller EEV 250 and thechiller evaporator 260. For example, closing of theEPR valve 280 causes a greater percentage of the working fluid from thecondenser 220 to flow into the second working fluid stream WF2. The closing of theEPR valve 280 decreases the operating pressure in thechiller evaporator 260, lowers the saturation temperature of the working fluid in thechiller evaporator 260, and results in a lower outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3 from thechiller evaporator 260. In an embodiment, the closing of theEPR valve 280 shifts climate control capacity from themain evaporator 240 to the chiller evaporator 260 (e.g., decreases the cooling ability of the main heat transfer circuit while increasing the cooling ability of the chiller evaporator 260). TheEPR valve 280 can shift climate control capacity without significantly increasing the superheat of the working fluid entering thecompressor 210. TheEPR valve 280 can be used to shift climate control capacity while also preventing the superheat of the working fluid entering thecompressor 210 from exceeding a desired amount. In an embodiment, theEPR valve 280 beneficially controls the saturation temperature of the working fluid at thechiller evaporation 260 to meet the climate control demand of the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 even when the mainheat transfer circuit 202 is providing large climate control (e.g., themain evaporator 240 is providing large climate control), colder third process fluid PF3 is requested, and/or thecompressor 210 is operating at low speeds. - The pressure setting of the
EPR valve 280 may be increased by partially closing theEPR valve 280. In the HVACR and Chiller mode, when theEPR valve 280 reaches at or about a preset limit, the speed of thevariable speed compressor 210 is increased and adjustment of theEPR valve 280 is decreased. In an embodiment, the preset adjustment limit is a limit on an amount theEPR valve 280 can be closed in in the HVACR and Chiller mode. In an embodiment, theEPR valve 280 is decreased after the speed increase of thevariable speed compressor 210. In an embodiment, theEPR valve 280 is reset (e.g., fully opened, set to its original pressure setting, etc.) after the speed increase of thevariable speed compress 210 and if the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2 is at or below the predetermined setpoint. In an embodiment,compressor 210 may be a single speed compressor and theEPR valve 280 may be used to vary the climate control capacity of themain evaporator 240. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV). In an embodiment, theclimate control circuit 200 includes themain EEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250. In the HVACR and Chiller mode, themain EEV 230 controls the flow of the working fluid in first working fluid stream WF1 to themain evaporator 240 while thechiller EEV 230 controls the flow of the working fluid in the second working fluid stream WF2 to thechiller evaporator 260. The twoEEVs condenser 220. - An electronic expansion valve (EEV) is adjustable to set a flowrate of working fluid through the EEV. For example, the
climate controller 290 may be configured to operate/adjust themain EEV 230 to change the flowrate f 2 of the working fluid to and through themain evaporator 240, and to operate/adjust thechiller EEV 250 to change the flowrate f 1 of the working fluid to and through thechiller evaporator 260. - In an embodiment, the
electronic component 206 generates a substantial amount of heat quickly. For example, theelectronic component 206 in an embodiment may be a battery(s) that generate significant heat quickly when charging, discharging electric component(s), and/or electrical supplying component(s). Further, theelectronic component 206 in an embodiment can have significant temperature sensitivity when being used. - The
main EEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250 are each adjustable to be fully closed, fully open, and have a plurality of positions (i.e., steps) in between fully open and fully closed. In an embodiment, themain EEV 230 in the HVACR and chiller mode closes at least partially. The closure of themain EEV 230 redirects working fluid to thechiller evaporator 260, and increases the flow of working fluid through thechiller evaporator 260. This shifts climate control capacity from themain evaporator 240 to thechiller evaporator 260. The closure of themain EEV 230 starves themain evaporator 240 of working fluid. - The
main EEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250 are independently adjustable. In an embodiment, the transport climate control system and/or thecontroller 290 may be configured so that the adjustments of themain EEV 230 and the adjustment to thechiller EEV 250 are tried together. In an embodiment, themain EEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250 may be configured to be modulated so that the transfer of capacity between themain evaporator 240 and thechiller evaporator 260 occurs smoothly. - In an embodiment, the
main EEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250 may be configured so that the modulation of theEEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250 are tied together so that the transfer of capacity between themain evaporator 240 and thechiller evaporator 260 occurs at more quickly depending upon the current capacity distribution between themain evaporator 240 and thechiller evaporator 260. In an embodiment, the transport climate control system and/or thecontroller 290 may control modulation of theEEV 230 and thechiller EEV 250 so that the shift of capacity is limited. For example, this can advantageously help prevent flow changes that have a negative impact on the operation of thecondenser 220. - In an embodiment, the
climate control circuit 200 is configured to, in part, allow for fast shifting of the climate control capacity between themain evaporator 240 and thechiller evaporator 260. In an embodiment, this can be beneficial for electrical components that quickly generate significant heat and/or need to be cooled quickly. In an embodiment, this can be beneficial when high energy is required from the battery(s) and/or during high power charging of the battery(s). - In an embodiment, the
climate control circuit 200 can operate in a HVACR mode when the mainheat transfer circuit 202 has a climate control demand and the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 does not have a climate control demand. In the HVACR mode, themain evaporator 240 provides cooling to the second process fluid PF2, while thechiller evaporator 260 does not provide cooling to the third process fluid PF3. - In the HVACR mode, flow through the
chiller evaporator 260 is blocked. In an embodiment, thechiller EEV 250 is closed. Theclosed chiller EEV 250 prevents working fluid from passing through thechiller EEV 250 and thechiller evaporator 260. In an embodiment, the second working fluid stream WF2 may include asolenoid valve 255 upstream of theevaporator chiller 260. Thesolenoid valve 255 is closed and prevents working fluid from flowing to and passing through thechiller evaporator 260. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, thecompressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the mainheat transfer circuit 202 includes thesolenoid valve 270 and theEPR valve 280 as discussed above. In an embodiment, theEPR valve 280 and thesolenoid valve 270 are at least partially open in the HVACR mode. - In the HVACR mode, the working fluid discharged from the
condenser 220 flows through thesolenoid valve 270 and theTX valve 230 to themain evaporator 240, and through the main evaporator and theEPR valve 280 to thesuction inlet 212 of thevariable speed compressor 210. In the HVACR mode, the speed of thevariable speed compressor 210 is based on the climate control demand for the climate controlled space. In an embodiment, the speed of thevariable speed compressor 210 is based on the temperature of the climate controlled space and/or the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV) as discussed above. In the HVACR mode, a position of themain EEV 230 may be adjusted based on climate control demand of the climate controlled space. In an embodiment, the speed of thecompressor 210 is controlled based on the climate control demand of the climate control demand in the HVACR mode. In an embodiment, flowrate of working fluid f 2 through themain EEV 230 may be based on the temperature of the climate controlled space and/or the outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2. In an embodiment, thecontroller 290 can be configured to control and/or adjust the position ofmain EEV 230 so that superheat of the working fluid entering thecompressor 210 does not exceed a desired amount. - In an embodiment, the
heat transfer circuit 202 can operate in chiller mode when the chillerheat transfer circuit 204 has a climate control demand and the mainheat transfer circuit 202 does not have a climate control demand. In the chiller mode, thechiller evaporator 240 provides cooling to the second process fluid PF3, while themain evaporator 240 does not provide cooling to the third process fluid PF2. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, thecompressor 210 is a variable speed compressor, and the mainheat transfer circuit 202 includes thesolenoid valve 270 and theEPR valve 280 as discussed above. In an embodiment, thesolenoid valve 270 is closed and thechiller EEV 250 is at least partially open in the chiller mode. - The
closed solenoid valve 270 prevents working fluid from flowing through themain evaporator 240. In the chiller mode, the working fluid discharged from thecondenser 220 flows throughchiller EEV 250 to and through thechiller evaporator 260. In the chiller mode, the speed of thevariable speed compressor 210 and the position of thechiller EEV 250 are based on the climate control demand for the chillerheat transfer circuit 204. In an embodiment, the speed of thevariable speed compressor 210 and the position of thechiller EEV 250 are based on the temperature T1 of theelectrical component 206 and/or the outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3. In an embodiment, the transport climate control system and/or theclimate controller 290 in the chiller mode are configured to operate thevariable speed compressor 210 at the lowest speed that achieves a desired outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3. - In an embodiment, the
main expansion valve 230 is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV) as discussed above. In the chiller mode, themain EEV 230 is closed and prevents working fluid flow flowing to and through themain evaporator 240. -
Figure 3 is a block flow diagram of an embodiment of amethod 300 of operating a transport climate control system (e.g., transportclimate control system 110, transportclimate control system 132, transportclimate control system 145,MTCS 162, transport climate control system 187) for a climate controlled transport unit (e.g., climate controlledvan 100, climate controlledstraight truck 130, climate controlledtransport unit 140, climate controlledtransport unit 160, vehicle 185). The transport climate control system includes a climate control circuit (e.g., climate control circuit 200) that includes a main heat transfer circuit (e.g., main heat transfer circuit 202) and a chiller heat transfer circuit (e.g., chiller heat transfer circuit 204). The main heat transfer circuit provides climate control to a climate controlled space (e.g., climate controlledspace 105, climate controlledspace 131, climate controlledspace 154, climate controlledspace 170, climate controlled space 189). In an embodiment, the chiller heat transfer circuit provides climate control to at least one or more electronic component(s) of the climate controlled transport unit or a tractor that tows the climate controlled transport unit (e.g.,electronic component 206,battery 109,battery 139,battery 146,battery 153,battery 165, battery 198). The method starts at 310. - At 310, a controller (e.g., the
controller 290 shown inFig. 2 ) of the transport climate control system detects one or more climate control parameter(s) of the climate controlled transport or an attached tractor (e.g., tractor 145). In an embodiment, the one or more parameters may include, for example but not limited to, a temperature of the climate controlled space, a temperature of an electronic component (e.g., temperature T1), a temperature of a second climate controlled space (e.g., second climate controlledspace 107, second climate controlledspace 138, second climate controlled space 144), a return temperature of a process fluid (e.g., temperature T6 of the second process fluid PF2), and/or a return temperature of a second process fluid (e.g., temperature T7 of the third process fluid PF3). Themethod 300 then proceeds to 320. - At 320, the controller determines a climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit and a climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit. In some embodiments, the climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit can be determined based on the climate control parameter(s) obtained at 310.
- In an embodiment, the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit can be a cooling demand for the electronic component (e.g., a battery cooling demand, etc.). In such an embodiment, the chiller heat transfer circuit can have a climate control demand when a temperature of the electronic component exceeds a predefined limit. In an embodiment, the predefined limit may be, for example, a temperature at which the electronic components operates less efficiently or a temperature to prevent thermal damage of the electronic component.
- In an embodiment, the climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit can be a cooling demand for the climate controlled space. In such an embodiment, a cooling demand for the climate controlled space can occur when a difference between the temperature of the climate controlled space and a setpoint temperature exceeds a predetermined amount. The method then proceeds to 330.
- At 330, the controller determines whether both the main heat transfer circuit and chiller heat transfer circuit have climate control demands. If the controller determines that both the main heat transfer circuit and chiller heat transfer circuit have climate control demands, the
method 300 proceeds to 340. If the controller determines that both the main heat transfer circuit and chiller heat transfer circuit do not have climate control demands, themethod 300 proceeds to 350. - At 340, the climate control system operates the climate control circuit in a HVCR and Chiller Mode. Operating the climate control circuit in the HVACR and
Chiller mode 340 can include directing working fluid from a condenser (e.g., condenser 220) into parallel streams that extend through a main evaporator (e.g., main evaporator 240) and a chiller evaporator (e.g., chiller evaporator 260) of the main heat transfer circuit that are located in parallel to each other. The parallel streams can include a first stream (e.g., first working fluid stream WFi) that extends through a main expansion valve (e.g., main expansion valve 230) and the main evaporator, and a second stream that extends through a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) (e.g., chiller EEV 250) and the chiller evaporator. - Operating in the HVACR and
Chiller mode 340 can include operating the chiller EEV in an open position in which the chiller EEV is at least partially opened. In an embodiment, the open position of the chiller EEV can be based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit. - In an embodiment, operating the climate control circuit in the HVACR and Chiller mode can include controlling a speed of a variable speed compressor (e.g., compressor 210) and adjusting an electronic pressure regulator (EPR) valve (e.g., EPR valve 280) in the main heat transfer circuit. The EPR valve is located in the first stream and is configured to regulate a pressure of the working fluid (e.g., pressure P3) discharged from the main evaporator. In an embodiment, the variable speed compressor can be controlled based on climate control demands of the main heat transfer circuit and the chiller heat transfer circuit. In an embodiment, the EPR valve and the chiller EEV can be modulated to change the climate control provided by the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator. In an embodiment, the transport climate control system closes the EPR valve to shift climate control capacity (e.g., cooling capacity) in the climate control circuit from the main evaporator to the chiller evaporator. The climate control circuit operates the EPR valve based on the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the chiller evaporator (e.g., outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3) and a superheat of the working fluid discharged from the chiller evaporator. The
method 300 then returns to 320 or optionally 310. - At 350, the controller determines whether the main heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand. If the controller determines that the main heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand, the
method 300 proceeds 360. Otherwise, themethod 300 proceeds to 370. - At 360, the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit in a HVACR mode. Operating the climate control circuit in the
HVACR mode 360 can include directing working fluid from the condenser through the main expander and the main evaporator, and blocking flow of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator. In an embodiment, blocking flow of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator includes positioning the EEV valve in a closed position. In an embodiment, blocking flow of the working fluid through the chiller evaporator can include closing a solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve 255) upstream of the evaporator chiller and downstream of the condenser. - In an embodiment, operating the climate control circuit in the
HVACR mode 360 can include controlling a speed of the variable speed compressor in the main heat transfer circuit based on the climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit. In an embodiment, the speed of the variable speed compressor can be adjusted based on the temperature of the climate controlled space, an outlet temperature of the process fluid from the main evaporator (e.g., outlet temperature T4 of the second process fluid PF2), and/or a return temperature of the process fluid (e.g., return temperature T6 of the second process fluid PF2) to the main evaporator. Themethod 300 then returns to 320 or optionally 310. - At 370, the controller determines whether the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the main heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand. If the controller determines that the chiller heat transfer circuit has a climate control demand and the main heat transfer circuit does not have a climate control demand, then the
method 300 proceeds to 380. Otherwise, themethod 300 proceeds back to 320 or optionally 310. In an embodiment, the method proceeds back to 310 from 370 when neither the main heat transfer circuit nor the chiller heat transfer circuit have a climate control demand. - At 380, the climate control system operates the main climate control circuit in a chiller only mode. Operating the climate control circuit in the
chiller mode 380 can include directing working fluid from the condenser through the chiller EEV and the chiller evaporator and blocking flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator. - Directing working fluid from the condenser through the chiller EEV in 380 can include positioning the chiller EEV in an open position which allows the working fluid to pass through the chiller EEV to the chiller evaporator. In an embodiment, the open position of the chiller EEV can be based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit. In an embodiment, the open position of the chiller EEV may be based on one or more of a temperature of the electrical component (e.g., temperature T1 of the electrical component 206), the return temperature of the second process fluid to the chiller evaporator (e.g., return temperature T7 of the third process fluid PF3), and/or the outlet temperature of the process fluid from the chiller evaporator (e.g., outlet temperature T2 of the third process fluid PF3).
- In an embodiment, blocking the flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator in 380 can include positioning a solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve 270) in a closed position. The solenoid valve can be disposed downstream of the condenser and upstream of the main evaporator. The closed solenoid valve can block the working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing to and through the main evaporator.
- In an embodiment, the main expansion valve in the heat transfer circuit is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV). In an embodiment, blocking the flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator in 380 includes positioning the main EEV in a closed position. The closed main EEV blocks the working fluid discharged from the condenser from flowing to and through the main evaporator.
- It should be appreciated that in some embodiments one or more of the determinations and actions in the
method 300 may be performed by a climate controller (e.g.,climate controller 125,climate controller 135,climate controller 156, climate controller 195) of the transport climate control system in an embodiment. In an embodiment, themethod 300 may include and/or be modified to include features of theclimate control circuit 200 as shown inFigure 2 and/or described above. - Any of aspects 1 - 7 can be combined with any of aspects 8 - 14.
- Aspect 1. A transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit, the climate controlled transport unit including a climate controlled space, the transport climate control system comprising:
- a main heat transfer circuit including:
- a compressor to compress a working fluid,
- a condenser downstream of the compressor to cool the working fluid compressed by the compressor with a first process fluid,
- a main expansion valve and a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser,
- a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser to heat the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve and the chiller EEV, wherein the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve is configured to flow through the main evaporator and cool a second process fluid in the main evaporator, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator configured to adjust climate control capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the working fluid expanded by the chiller EEV is configured to flows through the chiller evaporator and cool a third process fluid in the chiller evaporator, the chiller EEV controlling flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator; and
- a chiller heat transfer circuit including:
- the chiller evaporator, the third process fluid is configured to flow through the chiller heat transfer circuit and provide auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, wherein
- the second process fluid is configured to cool the climate controlled space.
- a main heat transfer circuit including:
- Aspect 2. The transport climate control system of aspect 1, wherein the third process fluid is configured to cool one or more of a battery of the climate controlled transport unit and a battery of a tractor attached to the climate controlled transport unit.
- Aspect 3. The transport climate control system of either one of aspects 1 and 2, wherein the third process fluid is a liquid.
- Aspect 4. The transport climate control system of any one of aspects 1 - 3, wherein the compressor is a variable speed compressor.
- Aspect 5. The transport climate control system of any one of aspects 1 - 4, wherein the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and the main heat transfer circuit includes:
the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, the electronic pressure regulator configured to control a pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator. - Aspect 6. The transport climate control system of aspect 5, wherein the electronic pressure regulator valve is configured to control the pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator based on an outlet temperature of the third process fluid from the chiller evaporator.
- Aspect 7. The transport climate control system of any one of aspects 1 - 6, wherein the main expander is an electronic expansion valve controlling flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator.
- Aspect 8. A method of operating a transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit, the transport climate control system including a main heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit, the main heat transfer circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser, the method comprising:
- determining a climate control demand for the main heat transfer circuit and a climate control demand for the chiller heat transfer circuit;
- operating in a HVACR and chiller mode when the main heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand and the chiller heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand, wherein operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator, wherein the main evaporator cools a first process fluid configured to cool a climate controlled space in the climate controlled transport unit, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator adjust configured to adjust climate capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the chiller evaporator cools a second process fluid that supplies auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, a chiller EEV controlling a flow of the working fluid to and through the chiller evaporator;
- operating in the HVACR mode when only the main heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand, wherein operating in the HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the main evaporator and blocking flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator; and
- operating in the chiller mode when only the chiller heat transfer circuit has the climate control demand, wherein operating in the chiller mode includes directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator and blocking flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator.
- Aspect 9: The method of aspect 8, wherein directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator in the chiller mode includes positioning the chiller EEV in an open position based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- Aspect 10. The method of either one of aspects 8 and 9, wherein directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode includes:
- directing a first portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a first stream of the parallel streams that includes the main expansion valve and the main evaporator, and
- directing a second portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a second stream that includes the chiller EEV and the chiller evaporator.
- Aspect 11. The method of any one of aspects 8 - 10, wherein
the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and
directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode includes:- directing a portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a first stream of the parallel streams that includes the thermostatic expansion valve, the main evaporator, and the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, and
- controlling the position of the an electronic pressure regulator valve based on outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller evaporator and a superheat of the working fluid discharged from the chiller evaporator.
- Aspect 12. The method of any one of aspects 8 - 11, wherein
the compressor is a variable speed compressor, and
operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes controlling a speed of the variable speed compressor based on the outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller expander. - Aspect 13. The method of aspect 12, wherein operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes increasing a speed of the variable speed compressor to avoid positioning the electronic pressure regulator valve at or above a preset limit.
- Aspect 14. The method of any one of aspects 8 -13, wherein
the main expansion valve is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV), and
directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode includes:- positioning the main EEV based on a climate control demand of the main evaporator, and
- positioning the chiller EEV based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (14)
- A transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit, the climate controlled transport unit including a climate controlled space, the transport climate control system comprising:a main heat transfer circuit including:a compressor to compress a working fluid,a condenser downstream of the compressor to cool the working fluid compressed by the compressor with a first process fluid,a main expansion valve and a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) located in parallel with each other downstream of the condenser to expand the working fluid cooled by the condenser,a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser to heat the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve and the chiller EEV, wherein the main evaporator is configured to receive the working fluid expanded by the main expansion valve to cool a second process fluid as the working fluid flows through the main evaporator,wherein the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator is configured to adjust a climate control capacity of the main evaporator, wherein the chiller evaporator is configured to receive the working fluid expanded by the chiller EEV to cool a third process fluid as the working fluid flows through the chiller evaporator, the chiller EEV controlling flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator; anda chiller heat transfer circuit including:the chiller evaporator to cool the third process fluid which is for flowing through the chiller heat transfer circuit and providing auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system,wherein the second process fluid is for cooling the climate controlled space.
- The transport climate control system of claim 1, wherein the third process fluid is for cooling one or more of a battery of the climate controlled transport unit and a battery of a tractor attached to the climate controlled transport unit.
- The transport climate control system of claim 2, wherein the third process fluid is a liquid.
- The transport climate control system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the compressor is a variable speed compressor.
- The transport climate control system of claim 4, wherein the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and the main heat transfer circuit includes:
the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, the electronic pressure regulator valve being configured to control a pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator. - The transport climate control system of claim 5, wherein the electronic pressure regulator valve is configured to control the pressure of the working fluid discharged from the main evaporator based on an outlet temperature of the third process fluid from the chiller evaporator.
- The transport climate control system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the main expansion valve is an electronic expansion valve configured to control flow of the working fluid to the main evaporator.
- A method of operating a transport climate control system for a climate controlled transport unit, the transport climate control system including a main heat transfer circuit and a chiller heat transfer circuit, the main heat transfer circuit including a compressor, a condenser, a main evaporator and a chiller evaporator located in parallel to each other downstream of the condenser, and a main expansion valve and a chiller electronic expansion valve (EEV) downstream of the condenser, the method comprising:determining whether there is a climate control demand for the main heat transfer circuit and determining whether there is a climate control demand for the chiller heat transfer circuit;operating in a HVACR and chiller mode when there is a climate control demand for main heat transfer circuit and there is a climate control demand for the chiller heat transfer circuit, wherein operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes:directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator,wherein the main evaporator cools a first process fluid for cooling a climate controlled space in the climate controlled transport unit, the main expansion valve or an electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator configured to adjust climate control capacity of the main evaporator,wherein the chiller evaporator cools a second process fluid that supplies auxiliary cooling within the transport climate control system, a chiller EEV controlling a flow of the working fluid to and through the chiller evaporator;operating in a HVACR mode when a climate control demand is determined only for the main heat transfer circuit, wherein operating in the HVACR mode includes directing the working fluid through the main evaporator and blocking flow of the working fluid to the chiller evaporator; andoperating in a chiller mode when a climate control demand is determined only for the chiller heat transfer circuit, wherein operating in the chiller mode includes directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator and blocking flow of the working fluid through the main evaporator.
- The method of claim 8, wherein directing the working fluid through the chiller evaporator in the chiller mode includes positioning the chiller EEV in an open position based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit.
- The method of any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode includes:directing a first portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a first stream of the parallel streams that includes the main expansion valve and the main evaporator, anddirecting a second portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a second stream that includes the chiller EEV and the chiller evaporator.
- The method of any one of claims 8-10, wherein
the main expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve, and
directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode includes:directing a portion of the working fluid from the condenser through a first stream of the parallel streams that includes the thermostatic expansion valve, the main evaporator, and the electronic pressure regulator valve downstream of the main evaporator and upstream of the compressor, andcontrolling the position of the electronic pressure regulator valve based on an outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller evaporator and a superheat of the working fluid discharged from the chiller evaporator. - The method of claim 11, wherein
the compressor is a variable speed compressor, and
operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes controlling a speed of the variable speed compressor based on the outlet temperature of the second process fluid from the chiller expander. - The method of claim 12, wherein operating in the HVACR and chiller mode includes increasing a speed of the variable speed compressor to avoid positioning the electronic pressure regulator valve at or above a preset limit.
- The method of any one of claims 8-13, wherein
the main expansion valve is a main electronic expansion valve (EEV), and
directing working fluid in parallel streams through the main evaporator and the chiller evaporator in the HVACR and chiller mode includes:
positioning the main EEV based on a climate control demand of the main heat transfer circuit, and
positioning the chiller EEV based on the climate control demand of the chiller heat transfer circuit.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/659,108 US11448438B2 (en) | 2019-10-21 | 2019-10-21 | Transport climate control system with auxilary cooling |
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EP3812666A1 true EP3812666A1 (en) | 2021-04-28 |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4242024A1 (en) * | 2022-03-10 | 2023-09-13 | Carrier Corporation | Transport refrigeration system with battery temperature control |
EP4338990A1 (en) * | 2022-09-19 | 2024-03-20 | Sicaf Srl | Improved monoblock refrigeration system and related parameter control method |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4109010A1 (en) * | 2021-06-23 | 2022-12-28 | Thermo King Corporation | Evaporator apparatus |
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- 2019-10-21 US US16/659,108 patent/US11448438B2/en active Active
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- 2020-10-21 CN CN202011134846.6A patent/CN112757864A/en active Pending
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WO1999017066A1 (en) * | 1997-09-29 | 1999-04-08 | Copeland Corporation | An adaptive control for a refrigeration system using pulse width modulated duty cycle scroll compressor |
WO1999023425A2 (en) * | 1997-11-03 | 1999-05-14 | Hussmann Corporation | Refrigerated merchandiser with modular evaporator coils and 'no defrost' product area |
US20120125032A1 (en) * | 2010-11-23 | 2012-05-24 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Refrigeration plant with refrigerant evaporator arrangement and process for parallel air and battery contact cooling |
US20120297805A1 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2012-11-29 | Denso Corporation | Cooling system for battery |
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US20180195794A1 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2018-07-12 | Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. | Diagnostics And Control For Micro Booster Supermarket Refrigeration System |
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EP4242024A1 (en) * | 2022-03-10 | 2023-09-13 | Carrier Corporation | Transport refrigeration system with battery temperature control |
EP4338990A1 (en) * | 2022-09-19 | 2024-03-20 | Sicaf Srl | Improved monoblock refrigeration system and related parameter control method |
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US20210116156A1 (en) | 2021-04-22 |
US11448438B2 (en) | 2022-09-20 |
CN112757864A (en) | 2021-05-07 |
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